Histories

Gentleman's Magazine

Volume 51, Issue 1, January 1781, pp. 26-27

Death of Henry Thrale, Esq.
Died, on the 4th of April last, Mr. HENRY THRALE, one of the most eminent brewers in this kingdom, and member of parliament for Southwark; who by his extensive knowledge, and prudent management of that important branch of commerce, rendered himself useful to the public in general.

He was a man of distinguished worth and virtue; his urbanity, benevolence, and amiable disposition rendered him the delight of all who knew him. He was a friend to learning and science, and generously patronised those who excelled in them.

His intimacy with Dr. Johnson is well known; and the public lost a sincere mourner in that great man, who was deeply affected by the death of his friend. Dr. Johnson delivered a very elegant and pathetic eulogy at his funeral.

Friends testimonials

Hester Thrale

The best Consolation is the perfect Amity in wchwe have lived 17 Years together, the few disputes or Subjects of Complaint either of us have endured from the other.

Dr. Samuel Johnson

I felt almost the flutter of his pulse, and looked for the last time upon a face that for fifteen years had never been turned upon me but with respect and benignity”;

I am not without my part of the calamity. No death since that of my wife has ever oppressed me like this. … My part of the loss hangs upon me. I have lost a friend of boundless kindness at an age when it is very unlikely that I should find another;.

On Wednesday 11, was buried my dear Friend Thrale who died on Wednesday 4, and with him were buried many of my hopes and pleasures.

Johnson wrote in his Prayers and Meditations on Good Friday, 13 April 1781 …

On Wednesday 11, was buried my dear Friend Thrale who died on Wednesday 4, and with him were buried many of my hopes and pleasures. On Sunday 1st his Physician warned him against full meals, on Monday I pressed him to observance of his rules, but without effect, and Tuesday I was absent, but his Wife pressed forbearance upon him, again unsuccessfully. At night I was called to him, and found him senseless in strong convulsions. I staid in the room, except that I visited Mrs. Thrale twice. About five (,I think), on Wednesday morning he expired; I felt almost the last flutter of his pulse, and looked for the last time upon the face that for fifteen years had never been turned upon me but with respect or benignity.

Arthur Murphy

A more ingenuous frame of mind no man possessed. His education at Oxford gave him the habits of a gentleman; his amiable temper recommended his conversation, and the goodness of his heart made him a sincere friend.

His education at Oxford gave him the habits of a gentleman; his amiable temper recommended his conversation, and the goodness of his heart made him a sincere friend.

James Beattie

He was a most respectable character; intelligent, modest, communicative and friendly.

James Boswell

In his biography of Johnson, Life, James Boswell mentions Henry Thrale's worthy principles, sound scholarship, business acumen, general intelligence and polished manners. He also added his impressive looks, dignified bearing and generosity towards his wife in his allowance to her for entertaining those guests of her choosing.

Thomas Percy, Bishop of Dromore

He was a man of excellent understanding, of a most amiable disposition, and of great generosity of spirit. His kindness and benevolence were extended to all around him, and his conversation was equally instructive and entertaining. His loss is lamented by all who knew him, and his memory will ever be dear to his friends.

John Hawkins

Mr. Thrale was a man of sound understanding and a liberal mind. His good sense, his candour, and his humanity were highly conspicuous; and his patronage of men of genius and learning will long be remembered with gratitude and respect. As a merchant, he was universally esteemed for his probity and punctuality, and his commercial transactions were conducted with a degree of liberality that was no less advantageous to his own interest than to that of the public.

Elizabeth Montagu

I am indeed deeply afflicted at his death, and regret it as much as if I had never known him. His virtues, his liberality, his good sense, rendered him dear to all who had the happiness of knowing him; but to those who lived in his family, his loss must be irreparable.