ASTON HALL. An early 19th century expenses book, octavo, bound in original limp calf, with 36 pages of handwritten entries dated 1811-1812; Edmund Darby named, although I cannot precisely find the author's identity. Edmund Darby (1760-1831) made his fortune as a slopseller (cheap clothing for the navy) in London. He bought Aston Hall in 1801 and had sixteen children with three wives. He was High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in 1809 There are entries for merchants, gamekeeper, coachman, blacksmiths etc. Property in Watton, house and land at Aston and Benington / Bennington Some other entries : James Row received 17 shillings " for what happened "; September 1st 1811 was 18s on shoes and 13s on dinner; £47 10s 6d on a Broadwood piano