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Hester Lynch Piozzi (1741-1821), author and friend of Dr Samuel Johnson, was born Hester Lynch Salusbury at Bodfel, near Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire, the daughter of John Salusbury of Bachygraig, Flintshire - through whom Hester claimed descendancy from 'Katheryn of Berain' ('Catrin o'r Berain') - and Hester Lynch Cotton (d. 1773) of Combermere and Llewenni. The young Hester showed a talent for writing and learning languages. Despite parental opposition, Hester married Henry Thrale in 1763; the couple settled in London, where they quickly came to know such notable individuals as Dr Samuel Johnson, Oliver Goldsmith, David Garrick and Joshua Reynolds. Henry Thrale died in 1781 and Hester married, in 1784, the Italian music teacher Gabriele Piozzi: this time it was her late husband's family who initially opposed the marriage. In 1795 Hester and Gabriele settled at Brynbella near Tremeirchion in Flintshire. The couple also set to to renovate Bachygraig, near Denbigh, the house built by Sir Richard Clough, Katheryn of Berain's second husband. They adopted Gabriele's nephew, John (Giovanne) Piozzi, who would later become Sir John Piozzi Salusbury of Bachygraig. Gabriele died at Brynbella in 1809 and Hester made John her heir. As well as perhaps her most notable associate, Dr Johnson, Hester accumulated an extensive circle of acquaintances and correspondents, including Thomas Pennant, Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby (the 'Ladies of Llangollen'), and the famed actress Mrs Siddons. She spent much of her later years at Bath and died at Clifton in 1821. Her remains were returned to Wales and buried at Tremeirchion.