Townsend House was founded in the 1982/83 academic year. The house was named after Wilfrid Townsend; alumnus, benefactor, President of the OE Club and Vice Chair of the Governors. Wilfred Townsend’s involvement in the school included the opening of The Paul Building – a building which will be better known to the pupils as the lunch and assembly hall. The book Exeter School 1880 – 1983 recounts the founding of the house as follows:
The increase in numbers from approximately 420 boys in 1960 to 590 as at present, has brought administrative rather than education change… new day-boy houses were created in 1969 and in 1982…. Townsend House commemorates the long loyal service to the school of Wilfrid Townsend (O.E.) Vice-Chairman of the Governors
The first Head of House was John Davidson.
In September 2024, Townsend was combined with Crossing House.
