Rolfe

[Patricia Hipple]

I am researching my family Rolfe who came from Lydd in Kent.  My grt. grt. grt. grandfather was Charles Rolfe born in Lydd about 1775 + or -.  He was married to, I think, Anne Wightwick on the 30th September 1800

On their marriage licence he was quoted as a Riding Officer, whatever that is.

I am looking for any information on this family that anyone can help me with.

They had a child Henry William Rolfe born 1808 in Lydd Kent. Eventually a schoolmaster.

My grt. grandfather was James Rolfe, artist.

Henry William Rolfe, me grt. grt. grandfather married Sarah Burden in London.

[Marne]

This may help for Riding Officer ..



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riding_officer

[Patricia Hipple]

Thank you so much for your information, really interesting.  It helps to fill out the family details. Much appreciated.  Patricia

[Christine53]

Charles and Ann Rolfe had several children :

Charles 20 Apr 1802( died infant)
James 24 Nov 1803
George 13 Jun 1805
Henry William 31 Oct 1808

There is a will for a Charles Rolfe of Lydd dated 1842 in which he leaves estate to wife Ann and eldest son James. In the will Charles describes himself as a grazier but I don't think this should rule him  out as your Charles.  ( The will is available on Ancestry or from TNA by download for £3.33 or thereabouts )

I also believe that  Charles Rolfe may be older than you think. This family in 1841 look possible :

Charles Rolfe b 1759 Kent Grazier
Ann Rolfe 70
James37
address Lydd

1851 census in Lydd

James47 farmer b Lydd
Hester Wightwick 58 Aunt b New Romney ( This would confirm the Charles Rolfe / Ann Wightwick marriage)

There is also a will for Charles Rolfe the Elder , Gentleman of New Romney , dated 1811 which leaves estate to his son Charles and there is a baptism for Charles Rolfe 11 Sep 1759 in New Romney , parents Charles and Elizabeth. I think this Charles Rolfe , 1759 , is probably the correct person.

Both wills mentioned are on TNA or available from Ancestry. Transcripts of baptisms and marriages are here :

http://woodchurchancestry.org.uk/romneymarshbaptisms/index.php
http://woodchurchancestry.org.uk/midkentmarriages/index.php

Hope this helps !

[Patricia Hipple]

That is so kind of you and I am delighted to have this information,  maybe now I can go further back as people did  not move around so much in those days.

All information is really appreciated.  It is always difficult to find the right people and on Ancestry.com  I found two marriages in Lydd, one Charles Rolfe marrying an Anne Wightwick and another Charles Rolfe marrying an Elizabeth Fowle.  Both on the same day 30 October 1800 another head puzzler.  Which one is mine I wonder?

From what you say it seems that Anne Wightwick may be the right person.  I must make sure before I enter her in the family tree.

Thank you so much for your help

Patricia

[Christine53]

Hi Patricia,

You are very welcome . At least it gives you something to work on. You mention a marriage for Charles Rolfe and Elizabeth Fowle. I'm seeing a date of 30 Aug 1752 at St Margaret's at Cliffe for their marriage ( on Ancestry ) . I can't see anything for 1800.

Christine