Histories

The estate of Crowmarsh Battle had by the terms of the Thrales’ marriage settlement been set aside for an annual payment to Mrs. Thrale of £200 during Mr. Thrale's life, and £400 after his death. However, Henry Thrale's will made a conflicting legacy to his daughter Hester Maria.

This became the cause of an acrimonious Court battle between Hester and her eldest child. The case was argued by some of the most eminent lawyers of the day, including William Blackstone and Samuel Johnson. The case was ultimately decided by Lord Chancellor Thurlow, who ruled in Mrs. Thrale's favour and established the legal precedent that a valid Will cannot override an earlier legally valid, marriage settlement or contract. Following this ruling, they agreed to waive the rent arrears and set the future rental to be paid by Queeney to her mother at £400 per annum until 1795 and £450 a year afterwards.

The case also had a significant impact on her daughter Hester Maria Thrale as it led to a rift between her and her mother that lasted for many years.