James Boswell, 9th Laird of Auchinleck 29 October 1740 – 19 May 1795), was a Scottish biographer and diarist, born in Edinburgh. He is best known for the biography he wrote of his friend and contemporary, the English literary figure Samuel Johnson, which is commonly said to be the greatest biography written in the English language.
Both Johnson and Boswell were "Streatham Worthies" (collective description for the circle of literary and cultural figures around the wealthy brewer Henry Thrale and his wife Hester )
Johnson lived at "Streatham 'Park" in his own apartment with the Thrale's almost as part of their family from 1765.
He wrote about his visit to Streatham and the Thrale's home at Streatham Park/Place on 6th Oct 1769
"I found, at an elegant villa, six miles from town, every circumstances that can make society pleasing. Johnson, though quite at home, was yet looked upon with awe tempered by affection, and seemed to be equally the care of his host and hostess. I rejoiced at seeing him so happy."
Images James Boswell by Sir Joshua Reynolds and Streatham Park by W H Brooke
(Source David Thrale)
