THOMAS, was the son of the reverend Mr Penrose, rector of Newbury, Berks, a man of high character and abilities, descended from an ancient Cornish family, beloved and respected by all who knew him. Mr Penrose, jun. being intended for the church, pursued his studies with success, at Christ-church, Oxon, until the summer of 1762, when his eager turn to the naval and military line overpowering his attachment to his real interest, he left his college, and embarked in the unfortunate expedition against Nova Colonia, in South America, under the command of Captain Macnamara. The illus was fatal. The Clive (the largest vessel) was burnt; and though the Ambuscade escaped (on board of which Mr Penrose, acting as lieutenant of marines, was wounded), yet the hardships which he afterwards sustained in a prize sloop, in which he was stationed, utterly ruined his constitution. Returning to England with ample testimonials of his gallantry and good behaviour, he finished, at Hertford College, Oxon, his course of studies; and having taken orders, accepted the curacy of Newbury, the income of which, by the voluntary subscription of the inhabitants, was considerably augmented. After he had continued in that station about nine years, it seemed as if the clouds of disappointment, which had hitherto overshadowed his prospects, and tinctured his poetical effays with gloom, were clearing away; for he was then presented by a friend, who knew his worth and honoured his abilities, to a living worth near £500. per annum. It came, however, too late; for the state of Mr Penrose's health was now such as left little hope, except in the affiance of the waters of Bristol. Thither he went; and there he died in 1779, aged 36 years. In 1768 he married Miss Mary Slocock of Penrose Newbury, by whom he had one child, Thomas, who was educated at Winton College.

Mr Penrose was respected for his extensive erudition, admired for his eloquence, and equally beloved and esteemed for his social qualities. By the poor, towards whom he was liberal to his utmost ability, he was venerated to the highest degree. In oratory and composition his talents were great. His pencil was ready as his pen, and on subjects of humour had uncommon merit. To his poetical abilities the public, by their reception of his Flights of Fancy, &c., have given a favourable testimony.