Buried in Hornsey: Samuel Rogers (1763-1855)

The tomb of Samuel Rogers (Illustrated News of the World, 3 July 1858) The poet Samuel Rogers (1763-1855) is buried under the chest tomb surrounded by railings in the corner of the churchyard nearest the junction of Hornsey High street with Church Lane. This tomb is the prominent one visible from the street and has recently been restored. Rogers is little-known now, but was celebrated as a poet in his own day. Here is one of his verses: An Epitaph on a Robin Redbreast (1806): Tread lightly here, for here, 'tis said, When piping winds are hushed around, A small note wakes from underground, Where now his tiny bones are laid. No more in lone and leafless groves, With ruffled wing and faded breast, His friendless, homeless spirit roves; -- Gone to the world where birds are blest! Where never cat glides o'er the green, Or schoolboy's giant form is seen; But Love, and Joy, and smiling Spring Inspire their little souls to sing! ["Poetical Works of Samuel Rogers", Aldine Edition, 1892, p. 171]