Robert Rolle (died 1660) facts for kids
Robert Rolle (born around 1622 – died 1660) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament where laws are made. He served in this role at different times between 1654 and 1660.
Family Background
Robert Rolle came from an important family in Devon, England. His father was Sir Samuel Rolle from Heanton Satchville. His mother was Margaret Wise.
Political Life
Robert Rolle started his legal training in 1640. In 1649, he was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Devon. This was a very important local job, like a chief law enforcement officer for the county.
In 1654, Robert Rolle was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Devon. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament. He was re-elected for Devon in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament and again in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament.
In January 1660, he was asked to join the Council of State for the Rump Parliament. This council was a powerful group that helped run the country. However, it seems he did not attend any meetings. This might have been because the council required members to swear an oath against the royal family (the Stuarts).
Later in 1660, he was elected as an MP for Callington. This was a "pocket borough," meaning a small town where one family, like the Rolles, had a lot of influence over who was elected. He was elected to the Convention Parliament, but he passed away in the same year.
Family and Descendants
Robert Rolle married Lady Arabella Clinton. She was the daughter of Theophilus Clinton, 4th Earl of Lincoln. Robert and Arabella had a son and a daughter:
- Samuel Rolle (died 1719) married Margaret Tuckfield. They had a daughter named Margaret.
- Margaret Rolle, 15th Baroness Clinton (died 1781). Margaret inherited the title of Baroness Clinton from her cousin. She married Robert Walpole, 2nd Earl of Orford and later Sewallis Shirley.
- Bridget Rolle (1648–1721) married Francis Trefusis. They had a son named Samuel Trefusis. Later, one of Samuel's descendants, Robert Trefusis, also became Baron Clinton in 1794.
