I, Benjamin Rogers, was Born October the 2nd, 1686; went to the Freeschole at Bedford March the 30th, 1693; (was admitted into Sidney College July the 5th, 1702; was ordained Deac l at Buckden September the [20] th, 1712; Priest at London by Dr. More, Bishop of Ely, December the 21st, 1712, viz., the same year1); was made Usher of that Schole August the Sth, 1707; was Instituted into the Vicarage of Stagsden, December the 22nd, 1712; was Instituted into the Rectory of Carleton June the 25th, 1720; presented to both by the Rt. Hon. Thomas, Lord Trevor.

Mr. Nicplas Aspinall was Instituted into the Rectory of St. Peter’s Martin in Bedford, January the 12th, 1711 [i.e., 1711/12], presented by Lord Harcourt, Lord Chancellor. He bought Mrs. Fenn’s House at Watford, August the 9th, 1715. She dyed April the 24[th], 1717. He bought Mr. Hornbuckle’s House, 1716, June the 6th. He bought the White Hart in St. Peter’s, November the 3rd, 1716. He bought Mr. Whitton’s House, March the 4th, 1716. He bought Underwood’s Estate at Malden, March the 3rd, 1723; it cost 250 li. He was admitted into Immanel College March the 5th, 1677, from Clithero School in Lancashire.

1727

(March the [blank]. Sir Isaac Newton died.)

October the 7th. The Reverend Mr. Nicolas Aspinall, the best Friend I ever had, died betwixt 12 and 1 in the morning; and was Buried on the 10th.

October the 11th was the Coronation.

The 13th. Massom being Sick and lame, gave a Bond of30 li. to indemnify the parish. Mr. Massey made the Bond, and had 1 0j. 6d. for making it, the Stamps, Horse hire etc. included. Miserere Deus.

15th. Dr. Jessop died; and was buried the 19th.

The 16th was the Visitation, when I Subscribed 15. for the Use of the Clergy’s proxy of the Archdeaconry, tho’ the ancient custom had been to subscribe but 8d. for a Rectory, 6d. for a Vicarage, and 4d. for a Curacy.

The 24th I made my Will, and laid it in a Tin Box in my Buroe where the College seal use to lie.

November the 3rd. I cut a Colliflower in my Garden as large as both my fists, and Sent it to my Lady Wolstenholm.