Hill Boothby

Hill Boothby (27 October 1708 – 16 January 1756) was an English friend and late love of Samuel Johnson.

Life Boothby was born in Ashbourne in 1708. She was the granddaughter of Sir William Boothby, third baronet, and daughter of Mr. Brook Boothby, of Ashbourne Hall. Her mother was Elizabeth Fitzherbert, a daughter of John Fitzherbert of Somersal Herbert. in 1739-40.

Johnson addresses her as sweet angel and dearest dear, and assures her that he ‘has none other on whom his heart reposes.’ Johnson wrote that he would look for a new wife and Hill Boothby was his intended. Her letters were collected and later published.