Henry Boase

Henry Boase (1763–1827) was an Cornish banker and author.

Boase was the fourth son of Arthur Boase (born 1698), of Madron, a parish in west Cornwall, who died August 1780, by Jane, daughter of Henry Lugg. He was born at Madron on 3 June 1763, and in 1785 went from Penzance to Roscoff, in Brittany, in a fishing-boat, to proceed to Morlaix, where he stayed for some time, and acquired a knowledge of French. Arthur Boase, who came originally from the parish of Paul, is known as a speaker of the Cornish language having taught his children the numerals, Lord's Prayer and many phrases and proverbs in that language.

Not finding any business opening in Cornwall, Boase went to London, where he obtained a situation as corresponding clerk in the banking house of Messrs. Ransom, Morland, & Hammersley in 1788. This house had an extensive continental connection, and after the flight of Louis XVI in 1791 a large part of the funds for the support of the emigrant clergy and nobility passed through their hands. Through his knowledge of French, Boase was able to be of service to his employers; he was promoted to be chief clerk in 1792, and seven years later he became the managing partner.

During his residence in London he was acquainted with Granville Sharpe, Robert Owen, and other philanthropists; was a leading member of the London Missionary Society; and took part in the foundation of the British and Foreign Bible Society, in conjunction with the Rev. Thomas Charles, of Bala, whom he came to know while distributing, as Mrs. Palmer's banker, her donation of £1,000 to the poor beneficed clergy of Wales.

Boase was also interested in the formation of schools on the system of Joseph Lancaster.

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