Henry Rolle, 1st Baron Rolle facts for kids
Henry Rolle, 1st Baron Rolle (born 7 November 1708, died 17 August 1750) was an important British landowner and politician. He lived at Stevenstone, a large estate in Devon, England.
Family Background
Henry Rolle was the oldest son of John Rolle (1679–1730). His father was also a Member of Parliament for Devon. John Rolle had even turned down an offer to become an Earl from Queen Anne.
Henry's mother was Isabella Walter. She was the daughter of Sir William Walter, 2nd Baronet. Henry also had a younger brother named John Rolle Walter. His brother later took the surname Walter and also became a Member of Parliament for Devon.
Political Career
When his father died in 1730, Henry Rolle took over his seat in Parliament. He became the Member of Parliament for Devon. He held this position until 1741.
After that, from 1741 to 1748, he represented Barnstaple in Parliament. In 1748, he was given a special title. He became a peer, known as Baron Rolle of Stevenstone. This meant he joined the House of Lords.
When he left his seat in Barnstaple, his cousin, Sir Bourchier Wrey, 6th Baronet, won the election to replace him.
Death and Legacy
Lord Rolle never married. He passed away in August 1750 when he was 41 years old. Because he had no children, his title as Baron Rolle ended.
His large estates and lands went to his youngest brother, Denys III Rolle (1725–1797). Denys III Rolle was the father of John Rolle, 1st Baron Rolle. The title of Baron Rolle was later brought back for John Rolle in 1796.
Lands and Estates
Henry Rolle inherited many lands, including the Stevenstone estate. In 1731, King George II confirmed his ownership of some of these lands. These included the Manors of Litlam (now Littleham) and Exmouth. These lands had once belonged to a monastery.
He also owned a property in London and the hundred of Budlegh, also known as East Budleigh. The Rolle family had gained control of East Budleigh and Bicton through marriage to the Denys family.
