Histories

Their introduction

Ten years after completing his epoch-making English dictionary single-handedly, Samuel Johnson was introduced to the Thrales on the 9th or 10th of January 1765. The encounter, which arose from a recommendation by Arthur Murphy, marked the beginning of one of the most important friendships of Johnson’s later life.

To wish for Dr. Johnson’s conversation, extolling it in terms which that of no other person could have deserved, till we were only in doubt how to obtain his company and find an excuse for the invitation.

Arthur Murphy recommending Samuel Johnson to the Thrales

The first evening at Streatham was a success. Throughout the winter of 1764–5 Johnson became a regular guest, attending every Thursday night. He soon formed a close affection for both hosts.

Mr. Thrale was a sensible, unassuming man, whom Johnson loved and esteemed, and who returned Johnson’s attachment with the sincerest regard.

Fanny Burney in The Diary and Letters of Madame D’Arblay

Their regard for one another was mutual and enduring.

The Streatham circle

The library at Streatham became the focal point of the Thrales’ social life. Mrs. Thrale’s taste for literary company attracted many of the most notable figures of the day.

The witty and the eminent who assembled in numerous companies.

James Boswell

On Wednesday I dined at Streatham … We had a most elegant dinner, and the best of all feasts, sense and wit and good humour. Mrs Thrale is a woman of very superior understanding, and very respectable as a Wife, a Mother, a friend and a Mistress of a Family. Mr Thrale has a fruit garden and a kitchen garden that may vie with the Hesperian Gardens for fruit and flowers.

Mrs Elizabeth Montagu, August 1777

Fanny Burney nicknamed Henry Thrale’s collection of portraits the Streatham Worthies – a deliberate echo of the celebrated Temple of British Worthies at Stowe.

Where will you find such another set? Oh, Fanny, set this down as the happiest period of your life.

Samuel Crisp writing to Fanny

Residence

Johnson’s friendship with the Thrales deepened further in the summer of 1766 when, after a severe bout of depression, he spent four months recuperating at their Streatham country house. From then on a room was always set aside for his use at both Streatham and Brewery House. He generally stayed at Brewery House mid-week, reserved Fridays for his literary club, and spent weekends at his own Fleet Street house. In effect Johnson became part of the Thrale household, and Streatham Park evolved into a true country retreat for a wide intellectual circle. Johnson was its lion-in-chief.

Johnson expressed his affection for the family in verse, writing:

• verses on Hester's 35^th birthday;
• an Ode to Thrale.

Parting

Hester and Dr. Samuel largely ended their close friendship just before Hester married Gabriel Mario Piozzi on 23 July 1784. They exchanged parting letters, bringing to a close one of the most celebrated friendships of the period.

Read about Samuel Johnson's manservant Francis Barber.