Parliamentary career - Thrale & Thrall history

![[Header#^header-embed]] > [!SUMMARY] Political views > Unlike his [Tory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tory) MP [[1729-1758 owner Ralph Thrale MP|father]]. Henry was raised as an intimate of that powerful [Whig](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whigs_(British_political_party)) clan of Temples, Grenvilles and Lytteltons; and was a [Rockingham Whig](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockingham_Whigs). > > The Rockingham Whigs were a faction within the [Whig Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiggism) that was led by [Charles Watson-Wentworth, the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Watson-Wentworth,_2nd_Marquess_of_Rockingham). They supported parliamentary reform and opposed the policies of [George III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_III). > > Henry Thrale supported: > - **Parliamentary reform** and believed that Parliament should be more representative of the people, expanding the franchise and reducing the influence of the Crown; > -the **American Revolution** and believed that the colonists had a right to self-government. He even offered to send financial aid to the rebels. > > He opposed: > - the **[Stamp Act 1765](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stamp_Act_1765)**: a vocal opponent of the tax on the American colonies. He believed that the Act was unconstitutional and would lead to rebellion in the colonies. > > ![[henry-thrale-1770-1780-francis-wheatley.png]] > <div class="caption">Henry Thrale c.1770-1780 by Francis Wheatley. Yale Centre for British Art.</div> ## 1754 Abingdon (unelected) In the spring of 1754, Henry Thrale stood for election to Parliament in Abingdon but was beaten by [John Morton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Morton_(MP)). ## 1760 Southwark (withdrew) In 1760, two years after the death of his father, William Belcher[^2], one of the incumbent Members of Parliament in Southwark decided not to seek re-election[^3]. This prompted Henry Thrale to write to the Prime Minister, the [Duke of Newcastle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Pelham-Holles,_1st_Duke_of_Newcastle) on 21 December soliciting support for his candidacy. Newcastle duly obliged. However, Thrale later withdrew from the race after becoming aware of the strength of the opposition. ## 1761 St Albans (withdrew) During 1761 Henry Thrale considered standing for the constituency of [St Albans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Albans_(UK_Parliament_constituency)) and had assurances at an early stage of 25 votes. He decided not to stand for election[^4]. ## 1765 Southwark (elected) On 16 September 1765, one of the incumbent Members of Parliament for Southwark, Alexander Hume[^5], died. Henry announced his running four days before his second child, [[Frances Thrale]] was born. On 28 October 1765: - incumbent MP, John Rich[^6] (a Townshend Whig), was re-elected; and - Henry Thrale was elected after opponent George Durant[^7] withdrew. ## 1768 Southwark (elected) ![[henry-thrale-in-1777-by-joshua-reynolds.jpg]] <div class="caption">Henry Thrale by Sir Joshua Reynolds 1777.</div><br> Early in 1768 parliament was dissolved. ### Election addresses > [!QUOTE] On the back of a letter dated 29 February 1768, Samuel Johnson wrote an election address for Henry Thrale … > To the Electors of Southwark > > Gentlemen, > > I am unwilling to trouble you with a long address. The merits of Mr. Thrale are too well known to you to need any commendation from me. You have long experienced his vigilance and attention to your interests, and his unwearied endeavours to promote the prosperity of your borough. > > He is a man of tried integrity and known ability. He has always supported the constitution in Church and State, and has never deviated from the principles of public virtue. > > I have no doubt that he will continue to merit your confidence, and that he will be found a faithful and able representative of your interests in Parliament. > > I therefore recommend him to your most favourable consideration, and request your votes and interest at the approaching election. > > I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, > > Sam. Johnson. > [!QUOTE] Election address written by Henry Thrale and published in various London newspapers on 8 March 1768 … > Gentlemen, > > I am again sollicitous for your favours at the approaching election. I have been your representative for three years past, and I trust that I have not been found wanting in my attention to your interests. > > I have always endeavoured to promote the prosperity of your borough, and to support the constitution in Church and State. I have never deviated from the principles of public virtue, and I have always been actuated by a sincere desire to serve my constituents. > > I am now soliciting your votes and interest for a fourth time. I am confident that I shall continue to merit your confidence, and that I shall be found a faithful and able representative of your interests in Parliament. > > I therefore request your most favourable consideration, and I hope that you will again honour me with your suffrages. > > I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, > > Henry Thrale. > [!QUOTE] Election address written by Henry Thrale and published in various London newspapers on 14 March 1768 … > To the Electors of Southwark > > Gentlemen, > > I am again sollicitous for your favours at the approaching election. I have been your representative for three years past, and I trust that I have not been found wanting in my attention to your interests. > > I have always endeavoured to promote the prosperity of your borough, and to support the constitution in Church and State. I have never deviated from the principles of public virtue, and I have always been actuated by a sincere desire to serve my constituents. > > In the course of my last Parliament, I have supported several important measures, which have been beneficial to the town of Southwark. I have voted for the paving and lighting of the streets, and for the construction of a new workhouse. I have also supported measures to improve the navigation of the River Thames, which is of great importance to the trade of the town. > > I am confident that I shall continue to merit your confidence, and that I shall be found a faithful and able representative of your interests in Parliament. > > I therefore request your most favourable consideration, and I hope that you will again honour me with your suffrages. > > I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, > > Henry Thrale. > [!QUOTE] Election address written by Henry Thrale and published in various London newspapers on 23 March 1768 … > To the Electors of Southwark > > Gentlemen, > > I am again soliciting your votes and interest at the approaching election. I have been your representative for three years past, and I trust that I have not been found wanting in my attention to your interests. > > During my last Parliament, I have supported several important measures, which have been beneficial to the town of Southwark. I have voted for the following: > > - The paving and lighting of the streets > - The construction of a new workhouse > - The improvement of the navigation of the River Thames > - The relief of the poor > - The promotion of education > > I am confident that I shall continue to merit your confidence, and that I shall be found a faithful and able representative of your interests in Parliament. > > I therefore request your most favourable consideration, and I hope that you will again honour me with your suffrages. > > I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, > > Henry Thrale. ### Result Hester Thrale campaigned for Henry despite being heavily pregnant and was surprised that he was elected at the top of the ticket. | Candidate | Votes | Outcome | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -----:| ---------- | | Henry Thrale | 1,248 | re-elected | | [Sir Joseph Maybey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Joseph_Mawbey,_1st_Baronet)[^8] | 1,159 | re-elected | | William Belchier | 994 | defeated | ### Legal challenge On 21 November 1768, Belchier petitioned the House of Commons, charging Mawbey with bribery corruption and other illegal election practices, allegedly including: - bribing voters with money, food, and drink; - intimidating voters who were not supporting him; and - tampering voting registers. The Committee on Privileges and Elections heard the matter on 6 February 1769. Mawbey's lawyers presented evidence that contradicted Belchier's allegations. For example, they showed that the voters who had been alleged to have been bribed had actually voted for Mawbey without any inducement. On 13 March 1769, The Committee on Privileges and Elections reported that Belchier's petition was frivolous, vexatious and groundless, and ordered Belchier to pay all costs and expenses. Belchier was later elected to the House of Commons in 1780. ## 1774 Southwark (elected) > [!QUOTE] Election address written by Henry Thrale and published in various London newspapers on 10 November 1774 … > To the Electors of Southwark > > Gentlemen, > > I am again soliciting your votes and interest at the approaching election. I have been your representative for six years past, and I trust that I have not been found wanting in my attention to your interests. > > During my last Parliament, I have supported several important measures, which have been beneficial to the town of Southwark. I have voted for the following: > > - The paving and lighting of the streets > - The construction of a new workhouse > - The improvement of the navigation of the River Thames > - The relief of the poor > - The promotion of education > > I am confident that I shall continue to merit your confidence, and that I shall be found a faithful and able representative of your interests in Parliament. > > I therefore request your most favourable consideration, and I hope that you will again honour me with your suffrages. > > I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, > > Henry Thrale. On 29 November 1774, Henry Thrale retained his Southwark seat together with [Nathaniel Polhill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathaniel_Polhill). | Candidate | Votes | Outcome | | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | -----:| -------- | | [Nathaniel Polhill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathaniel_Polhill) | 1,195 | elected | | Henry Thrale | 1,026 | elected | | Lee | 741 | defeated | | Alexander Hume | 457 | defeated | ## 1775 (elected Alderman of London) This is the upper house of the City of London Corporation. The Court of Aldermen is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the City of London, as well as representing the City's interests in Parliament. Henry Thrale was elected to the [Court of Aldermen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_of_Aldermen) in 1775 and served until his death in 1781. The London Chronicle on September 1, 1775, reports that Henry Thrale was elected to the Court of Aldermen saying he was elected by the Common Hall, which is the governing body of the City of London. The Public Advertiser on September 2, 1775, also reports Thrale's election to the Court of Aldermen saying that he was elected "without a contest." During his time as an Alderman, Henry: - helped to improve the City's water supply by supporting the construction of the [New River Head](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_River_Head); - supported the development of the construction of new roads and bridges; - was a strong advocate for the poor and disadvantaged, working to improve their living conditions; - supported education, and he helped to establish several schools; - was a member of the committee that oversaw the rebuilding of [St. Paul's Cathedral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Paul%27s_Cathedral) after the [Great Fire of London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Fire_of_London). ## 1777 (elected Sheriff of London) The Sheriff was the chief law enforcement officer of the City of London, responsible for maintaining law and order, as well as overseeing the City's prisons and courts. Henry Thrale was elected the [Sheriff of London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheriffs_of_the_City_of_London) in 1777 and served until his death in 1781. The London Chronicle on September 1, 1777, reports that Henry Thrale was elected Sheriff of London saying he was elected unanimously by the Court of Aldermen. The Public Advertiser on September 2, 1777 says that he was elected _"without a contest."_ His time as Sheriff was relatively uneventful. There were no major crimes or disturbances during his term of office. He made improvements to the City's law enforcement system: - increasing the number of police officers, and - established a new system for training and disciplining police officers. Thrale's time as Sheriff was a successful one. He was a dedicated and effective law enforcement officer, and he made a significant contribution to the City of London. ## 1780 Southwark (unelected) In May 1780, a general election was imminent. Britain was at war with France and Spain, and things were [going badly in America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolutionary_War). Henry decided to fight the election despite his inability to travel to London to campaign. Johnson and Hester Thrale travelled to London and campaigned on Henry's behalf. > [!QUOTE] In a letter to her daughter, [[Hester Maria Thrale|Queeney]] of 15th May 1780 [[Hester Thrale née Salusbury|Hester]] wrote… > I fear poor Mr. Polhill[^9] will lose his seat as all the folks are mad for [Sir Richard Hotham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Hotham). > [!QUOTE] Later on 6 August 1780 Hester Thrale wrote… > I dread the General Election more than ever; Mr Thrale is now well enough to canvass in Person, and 'twill kill him: had it happened when he could not absolutely have stirred—We could have done it for him, but now! Well! one should not however anticipate Misfortunes, they will come Time enough. > [!QUOTE] On 2 September 1780, Hester Thrale wrote… > Mr Thrale received this day at Michel Grove the News of the Parliament being dissolved; we drove to [[Brighthelmstone]] that Night, & to [[Streatham Park]] the day following-Sunday.-on Monday 4: Septr he begun his Canvass, & went over St Savrs Parish, but so feebly, that his friends said I must go with him to all the others, which I did, & diligently we worked till Saturday came round again: on **that** day[^10] he was particularly brisk, & bore his fatigues to admiration, but on Sunday Morning he rose with a Diarrhea which fretted him the more, as he meant to appear at [St George's Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_George_the_Martyr,_Southwark) that day, & face his Rival Candidates. > > thither however I attended him, & had the Mortification to see him seized with such Illness as made him look a perfect Corpse in the full View of an immense Congregation assembled to see the Gentlemen who wished to represent them. He would not quit the Church ill as he was, but sate the Service thro' with the help of Hartshorn, Water &c. came home, & sunk into a State of Stupor from which Dr Lawrence & [Sr Richard Jebb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Richard_Jebb,_1st_Baronet) recovered him by the loss of 26 ounces of Blood, in Aid of Blisters & Catharticks, which were rapidly administer'd beside. > > Mean Time I had a Committee met in the other Room but was obliged to confess Mr Thrale's Situation, & Inability to appear at the Hustings next Morning-so we appointed & prevailed on [[Sir John Lade]] to perform for him, while I was forcd to appear in the Streets as a proof that my Husband existed. the next Step was to obtain Council, & I got Mr Lane[^11] & Robson[^11] the Attorney to give us what Assistance they could:-Monday however went off but heavily, [Hotham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Hotham) & [Polhill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Polhill) had avail'd themselves of our Misfortune, & had a great Majority.-Mr Thrale's Spirit returned with his Consciousness, & he came to the place of Polling on Tuesday amidst the deafening Acclammations of his Friends- > > It was too late however; & we could not regain by Effort, what Absence & Illness had lost: Private Friendship & untainted Character could hardly at any Time have carried this Cause against Political Fury, and a cajoling Candidate; but with added Illness it was far from probable; on Wensday therefore was the Poll declined-& we stole hither unobserved, to refit our shattered Frames against the next great Storm. My Constitution is sadly shook by this, but all will be well again, & my dear Master mends upon it hourly, & means even to try at another Borough.-. > > The Cruelty of [Sir Richard Hotham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Hotham)'s Behaviour, the Handbills set out against us, and Mr Polhill's dirty Behaviour, is **too** bad.[^12] ### Election address On 5 September 1780 Hester delivered an election address from her husband, written by [[Dr. Samuel Johnson]][^13]. > [!QUOTE] To The Worthy Electors of the Borough of Southwark > GENTLEMEN,—A new Parliament being now called, I again solicit the honour of being elected for one of your representatives; and solicit it with the greater confidence, as I am not conscious of having neglected my duty, or of having acted otherwise than as becomes the independent representative of independent constituents; superiour to fear, hope, and expectation, who has no private purposes to promote, and whose prosperity is involved in the prosperity of his country. As my recovery from a very severe distemper is not yet perfect, I have declined to attend the Hall, and hope an omission so necessary will not be harshly censured. > > I can only send my respectful wishes, that all your deliberations may tend to the happiness of the kingdom, and the peace of the borough. > > I am, Gentlemen, your most faithful and obedient servant, > > Southwark, Sept. 5, 1780. > > HENRY THRALE. > [!QUOTE] On 14 May 1780 during a ten-day electioneering stint [[Hester Thrale née Salusbury|Hester]] wrote the following account in [[Thraliana]] … > I am come from [[Bath homes|Bath]] to canvass the Borough for my Husband, he will be elected and not pleased, I shall be fatigued and never thanked—no matter—it is fit he who is ill should rest, & fit that I who am well should work—We succeed pretty well upon the whole; I made Governor Devaynes[^14] & Sir Philip:J:Clerke, go out with me and beg Votes:—the Boro' folks called them my two edged Sword, as they cut upon Sir Richard Hotham both ways; the first as connected with the India house—the other as attached to the patriots. They good-naturedly dined with my Voters in St John's at a publick house, while Mrs Davenant attended me to Fournier's a principal Friend with whose Wife & Daughter we dined.— > > I shewed my Consequence, frighted my Antagonists, got Mr Thrale many Promises, & shall return to Bath on Fryday 19: May 1780. if I can keep up my Master's Spirits, & detain him at a Distance from this noisy place, he may do well yet; and enjoy his Seat in Parliament for ought I know these next seven Years.— > [!QUOTE] Samuel Johnson wrote to [[Hester Maria Thrale|Queeney]] of Hester Thrale's electioneering … > She has been very busy, and has run about the Borough like a Tigress seizing upon every thing that she found in her way. ### Result Even though voting in the general election did not end until Friday 17 September, his rivals leads were so large that Henry Thrale conceded defeat on 13 September after serving as Member of Parliament for Southwark for fifteen years. | Candidate | Votes | Outcome | | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | -----:| -------- | | [Richard Hotham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Hotham) | 1,300 | Elected | | [Nathaniel Polhill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathaniel_Polhill) | 1,138 | Elected | | Henry Thrale | 855 | Defeated | Eleven months later he died. > [!QUOTE] Hester Thrale went on to say… > One Day, the last of the Canvass-I worked at Solicitation for Ten hours successively, without refreshment, or what I wished much more for- a place of retirement. This neglect, wch was unavoidable, surrounded as I was with Men[^15] all the time, gave me an exquisite pain in my side-wchtho' relieved at my return home of Course, has never quite left me since- & I believe now never will-no matter! Samuel Johnson wrote to [William Strahan](http://www.electricscotland.com/history/other/strahan_william.htm), on the day the election was conceded, inquiring for news of a seat to be had in … > A Borough less uncertain. > [!QUOTE] On 5th October 1780, Hester Thrale wrote in [[Thraliana]]… > This last Election has hurt my health radically & seriously: the great & long continued Exertion of Voice for many days together deprived me for about 5 or 6 days of all Power to speak at all; & even when that was recovered, I felt & still feel a pain across my Breast, & difficulty of Respiration which gives me reason to believe my Lungs are touched. I will however say nothing about it; ## See also ![[henry-thrale-1724-1781🔎#^henry-thrale-infoblock]] #history/person/BURNEY/frances-born-1752 #history/person/JOHNSON/samuel-born-1709 #history/person/LYTTLETON/william-henry-born-1724 #history/person/SALUSBURY/hester-lynch-born-1741 #history/person/THRALE/henry-born-1724-1730 #history/person/THRALE/ralph-born-1698 ![[Footer#^footer-embed]] [^1]: Founded 1758 in Whitechapel, London. [^2]: **William Belcher** the elder (1692-1760), who was an English merchant and politician. He was elected MP for Southwark in 1734 and served until his death in 1760. He was a Whig and a supporter of Sir Robert Walpole. He was also a member of the South Sea Company. [^3]: British Library Add. MS. 32,916, ff.240,242. [^4]: Namier and Brooke III, 528. [^5]: **Alexander Hume** 1693-1765. Son of Robert Home and Hannah Curtis. Educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. Elected MP for Southwark in 1734 as a Whig and supporter of Robert Walpole. A director of the East India Company from 1737 to 1748. [^6]: **John Rich** 1709-1776 was MP for Southwark from 1742 to 1774. He was a Townshend Whig. The son of a wealthy merchant and brewer. He was educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. A supporter of the government of George II. He was a member of the Board of Trade and Plantations from 1748 to 1754. He was also a Commissioner of the Customs from 1754 to 1768. He retired from politics in 1774. He died in 1776. [^7]: **George Durant** was a merchant and landowner who was endorsed by the [Rockingham Whigs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockingham_Whigs). However, he was opposed by the incumbent MP, John Rich, who was backed by the Townshend Whigs. Durant was unable to raise enough money to mount a serious campaign and withdrew from the race. [^8]: [Sir Joseph Mawbey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Mawbey), a Vauxhall vinegar distiller representing Southwark from 1761-1774. [^9]: Polhill was Hotham's son. [^10]: 10 September 1780. [^11]: Mr. Lane and Robson were the attorneys who were appointed to represent Mr. Thrale in the election. They were responsible for preparing his case and arguing it before the hustings, or election court. Unfortunately, Mr. Thrale was unable to appear at the hustings on the first day of the election due to illness, so Mr. Lane and Robson had to represent him in his absence. [^12]: Hotham had been a goodneighbour of the Thrales for many years. However, their relationship had soured due to disputes over property and other matters. In 1782, Hotham published handbills accusing the Thrales of various misdeeds, including fraud and adultery. The handbills were widely circulated, and they caused a great deal of damage to the Thrales' reputation. In her letter to Burney, Thrale is particularly incensed by Hotham's accusations of adultery. She writes that she is "perfectly innocent" of these charges and that she is "ashamed and angry" that Hotham would stoop to such a level. She also expresses her disgust at the behaviour of Hotham's son, Mr. Polhill who had been involved in the distribution of the handbills. The incident also had a significant impact on Thrale's relationship with Burney, who was initially reluctant to believe the accusations against the Thrales, but she eventually came to accept them. This led to a rift, which lasted for several years. [^13]: Life of Johnson. James Boswell 1799. Entry dated 5 September 1780. [^14]: William Devaynes, [M.P. for Barnstaple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnstaple_%28UK_Parliament_constituency%29#Election_results) [^15]: At that time women were not permitted to vote.