Thomas Rolt facts for kids
Sir Thomas Rolt (born around 1631, died 1710) was an important British official. He worked for the East India Company, a powerful trading company from Britain. Sir Thomas was in charge of their operations in Surat and also served as the Governor of Bombay from 1677 to 1681. These places are now in India.
His father was Edward Rolt from Pertenhall in Bedfordshire, England. His mother, Mary, was the daughter of Sir Oliver Cromwell, a famous figure in English history.
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Early Career with the East India Company
Sir Thomas Rolt started his career at the East India Company's trading post in Surat. He began as a "writer" in 1658. This meant he was a clerk who handled important documents and records for the company.
Later, he moved to Persia (modern-day Iran). There, he became the main leader for the company in the Persian Gulf region. He held this important position from 1671 to 1677.
Leading the Company in India
When Sir Thomas Rolt became the President of Surat and Governor of Bombay, he had a big job. The East India Company told him to cut down on spending. This meant he had to find ways to save money for the company.
He also tried to be fair to different groups of people in India, like the Marathas and the Siddis of Gujarat. This approach sometimes led to criticism from other British officials, such as Richard Keigwin.
Life After India
In 1682, Sir Thomas Rolt returned to England. He had made a lot of money during his time in India. This wealth allowed him to buy a large estate called the manor of Sacombe in Hertfordshire in 1688. He bought it from Sir John Gore.
Sir Thomas Rolt passed away in 1710. His wife died a few years later in 1716. There is a special memorial for both of them in the church at Sacombe.
Family
Sir Thomas Rolt married a woman named Mary, who was the daughter of Thomas Coxe. Their son, Edward Rolt, later became a Member of Parliament in England.
Their daughter, Constantia, married a man named John Kyrle Ernle. Through his marriage to Mary, Sir Thomas also became the stepfather to Samuel Rolt. Samuel was another Member of Parliament and the son of Thomas Rolt of Milton Ernest.
