Hester Lynch Thrale

1741 - 1821

Streatham Park

Streatham Park: in 1863Streatham Park: in 1863Streatham Park, or Streatham Place, was built in 1730 by Ralph Thrale (1698-1758) on 89 acres of land bought from the local Lord of the Manor - the fourth Duke of Bedford.

It was rumoured that the sale price was a ten-year supply of ale and porter for the Duke's home, Woburn Abbey.div>

Thrales of Streatham

Henry Thrale 1777: after Sir Joshua ReynoldsHenry Thrale 1777: after Sir Joshua ReynoldsThe most celebrated Thrales were Hester and Henry, by virtue of their close relationship and friendship with Samuel Johnson. After the year of his first introduction by Arthur Murphy (Henry's oldest and dearest friend), in January 1765, Dr. Samuel Johnson - Britain's greatest 18th Century author - was an honoured guest and a cherished friend.

Criticism of Hester Thrale

Hester Lynch Thrale: by John Singleton Copley in 1778Hester Lynch Thrale: by John Singleton Copley in 1778In 1789 a poor quality satire The Sentimental Mother, A Comedy in Five Acts; The Legacy of an old Friend and His Last Moral Lesson to Mrs. Hester Lynch Thrale, now Mrs. Hester Lynch Piozzi. was published by Baretti in the European Magazine.

James Sayers also produced an etching called Johnson's Ghost, in which the Doctor, addresses Mrs Piozzi.

Hester's death

Hester Lynch Thrale 1818: by RocheHester Lynch Thrale 1818: by RocheLater in 1820 Hester took residence in Royal York Crescent, Clifton, Bristol. Clifton was the home of her friend Penelope Sophia Weston (1752-1827), wife of William Pennington. For a short while after this she took temporary residence in Regents Terrace, Penzance whilst repairs were made to her house in Clifton. On her journey of return to Clifton in March 1821, she fell and hurt her leg in Exeter.

Hester Thrale (1741 - 1821)

Hester Lynch Piozzi circa 1785: by unknown Italian artistHester Lynch Piozzi circa 1785: by unknown Italian artistHester Lynch Salusbury, was born between 4 and 5pm on 16 January 1741 in Bodvel, Caernarvenshire, Wales. Hester was baptised at Llanere church, Wales on 10 February 1741.

Her father was John Salusbury Governor of Nova Scotia (from 1749). Her mother was Hester Maria Cotton.

Which Thrale's have their picture displayed in the National Portrait Gallery?

  1. Hester Thrale 1741 - 1821.
  2. Gabriel Piozzi (Hester Thrale's second Husband).

Hester Thrale's homes and properties

Brynbella rear facade: July 2001.Brynbella rear facade: July 2001.Hester Lynch Thrale owned several homes and properties in Wales inheireted from the Salusbury family.

At various times, she also lived in leased or rented properties. She stayed in comfortable rooms in Regent's Terrace, Penzance for a few months from summer 1820 until March 1821.

See also Henry Thrale's homes and properties.

Henry and Hester Thrale had some famous friends - who were they?

Samuel Johnson: by Sir Joshua ReynoldsSamuel Johnson: by Sir Joshua ReynoldsThe Thrale's had a taste for literary guests and literary guests had, on their part, a taste for her good dinners. James Boswell described …

the witty and the eminent who assembled in numerous companies

.

Crowmarsh Battle farm

Crowmarsh Battle farmCrowmarsh Battle farmKnown as "The Manor or Lordship of Preston Crowmarsh" or "Crowmarsh Battle".

Henry and Hester's courtship

Hester Lynch Thrale: by Henry MeyerHester Lynch Thrale: by Henry MeyerIn late 1761 or early 1762 Henry was invited to Offley Place by Hester's uncle, Judge Sir Thomas Salusbury and was introduced to Hester Lynch Salusbury.

Syndicate content