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The coat-of-arms for this line of Townshends tells an interesting story. The particular variations show a connection to the Lords Townshends.
The helmet is indicative of Nobility. Helmets made of steel, with five bars of gold covering the visor cavity and with the placing of the helmet on the shield at an angle is an example of a nobleman's helmet. The supporters on the side of the shield is also a show of peers.
There are two features in this coat-of-arms that (to the best of the author's knowledge) differentiates it from any other Townshend arms. These two features include the crown and the double row of symbols within the chevron - the usual Townshend arms only have one row. This symbol has denotes a royal connection of sorts. It is speculated that these added "royal" features are a result of Hon William Townshend marrying Flora Stewart of the Royal Scottish Stewarts (The Stewarts of Ardgowan and Blackhall).
Unfortunately, the origins and validity of these arms are not certain. Like the signet rings of this line it is not known whether they were actually registered. They have been passed on from generation to generation - tracable at least to Edward Villiers Townshend (b.1876), a great grandson of Hon William Townshend.
It is speculated by the author that the arms might have been registered by Hon Sir Charles James Townshend (Chief Justice of Nova Scotia).
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