Henry Thrale (1724/9-1781)
Birth
Henry Thrale Henry was born in Southwark at the Alehouse, Harrow Corner adjacent to the Anchor Brewery. His birth date was between 1724 and 1729. His epitaph shows 1724. However, he entered University College, Oxford on 4 June 17441 giving his age as fifteen. If correct, this would make his birth year 1728 or 17292.
Family
Henry Thrale was the son of the rich brewer Ralph Thrale (1698 - 1758) and Mary Thrale née Dabbins, Dobbins or Dobbinson.
Education
As a child, Henry was sent to stay with his grand relations at Stowe. After he was educated at Eton and University College, Oxford. His tutors were Joseph Wood and Henry Hobson. He matriculated on 4 June 17443 and left Oxford in December 1745.
Allowance
As a young man, he travelled on the European continent with Lord William Henry Lyttleton Westcote (1724-1808), the expenses of both being met the generous £1,000 annual allowance that Henry received from his father. He was ambitious, had a taste for gambling, and was an occasional visitor to Carlisle House in Soho Square - Teresa Cornelys' lavish assemblies, masquerades and concerts for the rich.
Characteristics
According to James Boswell, Henry was tall, well-proportioned and stately in appearance. He was deeply religious and a good sportsman.
Homes
Henry Thrale had several prestigious homes, most well known of which is his country house Streatham Park. He also kept a pack of hounds and hunting box near Croydon.
Robbery
During the spring of 1763 Henry was held up by a highwayman, Samuel Beaton, whilst in his coach. He was robbed of 13 Guineas, his watch and silver shoe buckles. Beaton was hanged on 12 August 1763 on Kennington Common for this crime4.
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Henry Thrale M.P. 1724/9 - 2 May 1821 |
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Henry Thrale | Family tree and portraits · Homes · H. Thrale & Co. brewery · Parliamentary career · Pets · Travels · Coaching accident · Ill health · Death · Mourning tablet · Burial vault · Will · Testimonials |
Hester Salusbury | Courtship · Marriage dowry · Marriage · Children · 13th anniversary |
People | Father: Ralph Thrale M.P. · Arthur Murphy · Samuel Johnson · Jeremiah Crutchley · Sir John Lade · Streatham Worthies · King Louis XVI & Queen Marie Antoinette |
Writings about | Dr Johnson's 'Own Dear Master · The Thrales of Streatham Park · Three Centuries · Thraliana |
Signature | ![]() |
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Hester Lynch Thrale née Salusbury 1741 - 2 May 1821 |
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Hester Thrale | Family tree and portraits · Homes · Works · Writings . Thraliana · Pets · Travels · 80th party · Criticism · Death · Obituaries |
Henry Thrale | Courtship · Marriage dowry · Marriage · Children · 13th anniversary |
Gabriel Piozzi | Marriage · 7th anniversary · Adopted son · Miscarried daughter |
People | Samuel Johnson · Streatham Worthies · Proposal from Mr. Swale · King Louis XVI & Queen Marie Antoinette |
Writings about | The Thrales of Streatham Park · Dr Johnsons Women · Intimate letters · Hester Lynch Piozzi · Dr Johnsons Women · Doctor Johnson's Mrs Thrale · By Samuel Johnson: Ode to · 35th verses · By Herbert Lawrence: Song to Hester |
Signature | ![]() |