The collection consists of notes and correspondence relating to Marsham-Townshend's research for a projected biography on Admiral of the Fleet Sir Cloudesley Shovell, never completed. There are also transcripts, original documents, pamphlets, articles and printed books relating to Shovell and his descendants. The substance of Marsham-Townsend's notes is embodied in his articles on the parentage and death of Shovell. These have little bearing on his naval career. The original documents consist mainly of official orders issued from the Navy Office, a few personal documents bearing the signatures of both Shovell and his wife, indentures, deeds and a will.

Administrative / biographical background
Robert Marsham was born in Maidstone, Kent, the second son of Charles Marsham, 2nd Earl of Romney, in direct descent from Admiral of the Fleet Sir Cloudesley Shovell through his elder daughter Elizabeth. He assumed the second name of Townshend by Royal Licence in 1893. Marsham-Townshend was educated first at Eton and then at Christ Church, Oxford.