Histories

Fanny Burney by her cousin Edward Francis Burney in 1793..

Dr. Burney was a regular visitor to the Thrales’ home at Streatham Park. He would often attend the Thrales’ musical evenings and social gatherings. Burney first met the Thrales at a dinner party at her father’s house on 26 November 1778, aged 26. She was immediately impressed by Henry Thrale, who was a successful brewer and a member of Parliament. She was also drawn to Hester Thrale, who was a vivacious and intelligent woman.

She also wrote a diary, which was published posthumously in 1842, The Diary and Letters of Madame d’Arblay. It is a candid and insightful record of her life and times, and it provides a valuable glimpse into the world of the Thrales and their circle of friends. She first became friends first with Hester Lynch Thrale née Salusbury and wrote extensively about her admiration for Hester’s intelligence, wit and kindness. Burney also wrote of her enjoyment of Hester’s company, and her support and nurturing. She quickly became a frequent visitor to their home at Streatham Park.

Her diary shows that she became close friends with Hester’s eldest child Queeney. However, her friendship with Queeney developed over time, and it was not as immediate as her friendship with Hester. In one diary entry, Burney writes about how she felt intimidated by Queeney when they first met. She writes that Queeney was …

A very pretty little girl, but with a look of haughtiness that made me awe-struck.

However, Burney’s feelings towards Queeney softened as she got to know her better. She began to appreciate Queeney’s intelligence, wit, and kindness.

Burney and the Thrales spent many happy hours together at Streatham Park. They would talk, read, play music, and go for walks. Burney also helped Hester Thrale with her writing.

In 1783, Burney was staying at Streatham Park after she had just written a one-act comedy called Edwy and Elgiva about a young King who falls in love with a commoner. The play explores the themes of love, duty, and sacrifice. The Thrales and their friends performed the play for their own amusement. Burney was so nervous about the performance that she hid in a closet. Burney wrote in her diary that the play was a “great success.” She praised the Thrales’ acting and their ability to bring the characters to life. Burney also wrote that the play was “very moving” and that the audience “enjoyed it very much”.

Henry Thrale’s illness and death

In January or February 1781, Burney was staying at Streatham Park when Henry Thrale fell ill. Burney nursed him day and night for several days and was even allowed to sleep in his room. This was a remarkable gesture of friendship, as it was highly unconventional for a woman to sleep in the same room as a man who was not her husband. By the time Henry Thrale died on 4 April 1781, Burney was close friends with both Hester and Queeney. She wrote extensively about their grief in her diaries, and she offered them both her support and comfort.

Ending of the relationship with Hester Thrale

Burney’s relationship with the Thrales began to deteriorate after Hester Thrale announced her intention to marry Gabriel Piozzi in 1784 8 because she:

• disapproved of Hester Thrale’s marriage to Piozzi. She felt that Piozzi was not a suitable match and worried that the marriage would damage Hester’s reputation.
• felt that she was no longer welcome in the Thrale household after Henry Thrale’s death, as she felt Hester was more focused on her new husband and her new life than on her old friends; and
• was concerned about the impact of Hester Thrale’s marriage on Queeney (who also disapproved of the marriage to Gabriel Piozzi. She worried that Piozzi would not be a good stepfather to Queeney, and she was concerned about how Queeney would be treated in the new household.

In addition to these factors, Burney and Hester Thrale were also growing apart ideologically. Burney, like Henry Thrale, was a Whig supporter, while Hester Thrale was a Tory supporter. She and Hester Thrale gradually drifted apart culminating in 1786.

Ongoing relationship with Queeney Thrale

Fanny Burney and Queeney Thrale remained close friends for many years, despite Fanny being 12 years older. They corresponded regularly and they also visited each other too. Burney’s letters to Queeney are full of affection and admiration. She writes about her love for Queeney’s intelligence, her wit, and her kindness. Burney also provides Queeney with advice and support on a variety of topics.

On 4 August 1796 Burney wrote about Queeney …

You are the dearest friend I have in the world, and I love you more than words can express. You are the only person who understands me completely, and who I can always be myself around.

Queeney’s letters to Burney are also affectionate and supportive. She writes about her love for Burney’s writing, her creativity, and her sense of humour. On 10 March 1779 Fanny wrote to Susannah Arabella Thrale …

My dearest Susanna, I am now at Streatham Park, where I have been these few days with the Thrales, and am much delighted with my stay. They are such good, clever people, and I learn from them every day. I have been particularly pleased with their daughter, Queeney. She is one of the most sensible and intelligent girls I have ever met. She has also a great deal of wit, and a very warm heart. I am so glad I have had this opportunity of knowing her. We have had many conversations about books, music, and politics. She has so great a thirst for knowledge, and is always eager to learn. I am so much struck with her understanding, and the quickness of her perception. I am also much obliged to her for her friendship. She is so kind, and so ready to give advice and assistance. I know I can always rely upon her. I am very happy I came to Streatham Park. It has been a very agreeable visit, and I have made some very pleasant acquaintance. I hope to return again soon.

Love, Fanny

Burney’s diary records many happy moments she spent with Queeney. For example, in one entry, Burney describes how she and Queeney spent a whole day together, reading, talking, and laughing. Burney also wrote about how Queeney would often come to her room at night to talk and confide in her.

Burney’s relationship with Queeney was a source of great comfort to her during her difficult times at Streatham Park. After Henry Thrale’s death, Burney was often lonely and isolated. However, she could always count on Queeney for friendship and support.