THE DIARY OF BENJAMIN GRANGER, OF BOLSOVER. 59 



Also certain solemn proceedings in respect of infringement of 

 common rights well worthy of preservation. 



We obtain the reflection of the great events of the time, and 

 they were momentous. 26th Nov., 1691, was the day of thanks- 

 giving " for the happy Retorn of King William and for the bringing 

 of Ireland to its dew obedience." Evidently they did not get a 

 service very often, for the parson of Elvaston supplied the cure 

 that day. 13th Dec. following, Mr. Hollingshead preached all 

 day, but the churchwardens "did give him nothing." Evidently 

 he did not please. 



26th February, assessment was made for carrying on the war 

 with France vigorously. There was no mistake about this vigour, 

 for it cost Bolsover ^155 4s., and Clowne ^25 17s. 5M. 



3rd Dec, 1697, were rejoicings for the peace. 



May-day, 1707, the union between England and Scotland was 

 concluded, that they are to be one people, a happier settlement 

 than that of poor Ireland's, and so far more complete. 



In February following are reports of the supposed Prince of 

 Wales' insurrection, but Bolsover was safe, for in April, 1708, 

 several troops of horse and companys of foot were there, when 

 William Tettley was Constable of Bolsover and Clowne ; and 

 Bolsover greatly rejoiced at the discovery " of the great plot laide 

 by the French and the Papists for invading England." No doubt 

 the wily monarch encouraged these rejoicings, as a cover for the 

 numerous taxes he inflicted on a suffering people. 



There is a delicious piece of bunkum, probably written upon 

 the death of King William (?). though it is apparently dated 1751, 

 and if so, it must have been Henry Roade's composition, for 

 Benjamin Granger had long before passed away ; and there is an 

 interesting item recorded in April, 1708, one of Granger's last 

 entries, that Jonathan Clark of Waly did begin to be a carrier 

 with a wagon to London. Evidently Bolsover was an important 

 place at that period. 



This diary gives a curious picture of the times, and is worthy of 

 rescue from oblivion. 



The entries given are taken as they appear in the book, but 



