UK-BURBAGE-L Archives

From: "Colin Younger" <>
Subject: Rolfe / Ralfe
Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2006 16:07:49 -0000

I recently came across an item for sale on Ebay relating to the Rolfe
family. During the early 18th century James Ralfe was the Savernake
estate's agent and certainly of the same social status as Simon. I know
one of James's descendents was looking his parents; maybe there is a
connection? I have copied the photograph of the token and can send it to
anyone who is interested (it shows the family crest).



The description given by the seller is as follows:



17th. century copper halfpenny token (18mm.) for SALISBURY in Wiltshire
issued by Simon ROLFE in 1666.

The archaic name for Salisbury (Sarum) is used on this token.

The design on this token is the Rolfe family arms and crest - three
ravens with a raven crest on helmet. It is not known what Simon Rolfe's
profession was, but he was obviously a man of standing in Salisbury.
He is listed as one of the eighty-six Burgers of Salisbury who voted
for the return of two members of Parliament in 1656.

The Rolfe family originally come from Norfolk and probably the most
famous Rolfe was John Rolfe who arrived in the newly established
Virginian Colony of Jamestown in 1609. John Rolfe married the Indian
princess Pocahontas in 1614 thus easing the relationship between the
Powhatan Confederacy and new settlers. He brought her back to England
in 1616 where unfortunately she died, probably of consumption, a year
later. The exact family relationship of John Rolfe and the issuer of
this token is not known but they were of the same family as they both
bear the same arms.

Colin Younger
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• Rolfe / Ralfe by "Colin Younger" <>