Thrale history

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picture passed to the Landowne family with Tallyallan. During the early twentieth century the picture was sold at Christies by the Marquis of Landowne. Johnson's portrait by Reynolds was bought by Barclay Perkins in 1953 for three thousand three hundred guineas. The portrait of Henry's father Ralph also hangs at the Anchor Brewery.

Henry's interest in politics was considerable, and like his father he had been M.P. for Southwark. Amongst the West papers there is evidence of Henry's political activities.¹⁹ One letter written by D. Toombes of St. Michaels, St. Albans, written in 1761 shows the involvement of Henry with his Smith cousins and his intention at one time to stand for St. Albans. It reads:

Sir,
I was last night with one Mr. Smith who is a near relation of Mr. Thrale the brewer and he let a word drop concerning his election. That he had some thoughts of coming to canvas to know how many people stood absorbed. There is a great murmuring as I wrote you word some time ago against J.H. which I believe you will hear of. The Mayor and Mr. Preedy heartily wish that there may be some ways found out to appease this Society that was assembled together by reason it will cost great confusion and prevent a very great exposure. I hope that you have sounded the gentleman that have votes in London, for Mr. Smith assured me that Mr. Thrale has twenty-five. Whether true or false I cannot say or whether he intends standing or not but only by his own distorms. I apprehend that you have seen or heard from Mr. Thrale what his intention is.

I am,
Sir, Yours faithfully,
D. Toombs.

P.S. Please also to commit this to the friends.

Politics in eighteenth century St. Albans seemed to centre on St. Michaels. James West to whom this letter was written, was M.P. for St. Albans in 1741, supported by the Grimstons of Gorhambury who led the Tories, whilst Sarah Jennings family, the Spencers, led the Whigs. Then, Duchess Sarah even though eighty years old, violently opposed him. When Sarah died in 1744 her party went over to the support of West. In 1758 West became High Steward of St. Albans. He still had

Footnotes

19. West Papers Add M.S.S. 34735 fol. 150.↩︎