Rogers, Samuel, 1763-1855

Samuel Rogers was born on July 30, 1763, in Newington Cross, Islington, England, to Thomas Rogers and Mary Radford. He joined the banking business per his father’s wishes, but because of his delicate heath and family’s wealth, he was able to study English literature and began writing himself, publishing his first contributions in the Gentleman’s Magazine and then, in 1786, publishing a full volume of his own containing an “Ode to Superstition.” He published “The Pleasures of Memory” in 1792. After his father’s death in 1793 and his later move to 22 St. James’s Place, a house he virtually rebuilt and filled with treasures and works of art including from monarchial France, Rogers became a gateway into literary society. An invitation to one of his social breakfasts was coveted and his dinners even more so. He lived to be 92 years old and died on December 18, 1855. He is buried in the family tomb in the churchyard of St Mary's Church, Hornsey High Street, Haringey