Henry Thrale

Henry Thrale

Henry Thrale
Born	1724 Southwark, London, England
Died	1781 Streatham, London, England
Occupation	Brewer, Member of Parliament

Henry Thrale (1724–1781) was a prominent English brewer and Member of Parliament. He was born in Southwark, London, England in 1724 and passed away in Streatham, London, England in 1781.

Early Life and Career

Henry Thrale was born into a wealthy family involved in the brewing industry. His father, Ralph Thrale, owned the Anchor Brewery in Southwark, which was one of the largest breweries in London at the time. Henry Thrale inherited the brewery upon his father's death in 1758 and successfully expanded its operations.

In addition to his brewing business, Thrale also had a successful political career. He served as a Member of Parliament for the borough of Southwark from 1765 to 1780. Thrale was known for his support of the Tory party and his close association with prominent politicians of the time, including Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke.

Relationship with Samuel Johnson

One of the most notable aspects of Henry Thrale's life was his close friendship with the renowned writer and lexicographer, Samuel Johnson. Thrale and Johnson first met in 1765 and quickly developed a strong bond. Thrale and his wife, Hester Thrale, often hosted Johnson at their home in Streatham, where they engaged in lively intellectual discussions and debates.

Johnson's relationship with the Thrale family was so significant that he referred to them as his "second family." Thrale's brewery also played a crucial role in Johnson's life, as he often sought refuge there during periods of depression and financial difficulties.

Legacy

Henry Thrale's contributions to the brewing industry and his involvement in politics left a lasting impact on British society. The Anchor Brewery, under his management, became one of the most successful and influential breweries in London.

Thrale's friendship with Samuel Johnson also had a profound influence on the literary and intellectual circles of the time. Their discussions and debates at the Thrale residence in Streatham were renowned for their depth and intellectual rigor.

See also

• Samuel Johnson
• Anchor Brewery
• Southwark