ROLLE, John (1679-1730), of Stevenstone, nr. Barnstaple, Devon.

The Rolles, originally wealthy London merchants, purchased Stevenstone in the reign of Henry VIII, becoming one of the richest families in Devonshire, where they owned more than forty manors in 1706.T. Moore, Devonshire, 538-9. A Tory and a member of the October Club, John Rolle was returned for Barnstaple unopposed on his family’s interest in 1715, subsequently sitting for Exeter and the county. He was one of the west country gentlemen in touch with Atterbury’s agents during the plot of 1722.Report of the Committee of the House of Commons to examine Christopher Layer and others (1723), App. F. 11. His only recorded vote after George I’s accession was against the Government on the Hessian troops, shortly before his death, 6 May 1730.