Francis Rolle facts for kids
Sir Francis Rolle (1630–1686) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament. He served in this role at different times between 1656 and 1685.
Early Life and Education
Francis Rolle was the only son of Henry Rolle. His father was a very important judge, the Chief Justice of the King's Bench. Francis's mother was Margaret Bennett.
Francis started studying law in 1646 at a famous place called Inner Temple. He also went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1647. By 1653, he became a lawyer.
Political Career
In 1656, Francis Rolle was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Somerset. An MP is someone elected to represent their area in the government.
When his father passed away in 1656, Francis inherited the family estate in Shapwick. He also became a Justice of the Peace (JP) for Somerset. A JP helps keep the peace and enforces local laws.
Francis Rolle held many important jobs. He helped with taxes and local defense. He was also a High Sheriff of Hampshire from 1664 to 1665. A High Sheriff was a top law enforcement officer in a county.
In 1665, he was made a knight, so he became "Sir" Francis Rolle. He was also chosen as a freeman of Portsmouth that same year.
Later, he was the High Sheriff of Somerset from 1672 to 1673. He was elected as an MP for Hampshire in 1675. He was also an MP for Bridgwater and Hampshire several times after that.
In 1685, Sir Francis Rolle was sent to the Tower of London. This happened because people thought he might support a rebellion led by someone named Monmouth.
His Death
Sir Francis Rolle passed away when he was 56 years old. He was buried in East Tytherley in Hampshire on April 6, 1686.
Family Life
Francis Rolle married Priscilla Foote on January 23, 1654. Priscilla was the daughter of Sir Thomas Foote.
Francis and Priscilla had a large family. They had one son and six daughters. Their son, John, also became an MP for Bridgwater in 1713.
