Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom
The son of John David Rolt of and his wife Sophia née Butt, he was born in Deptford. In 1820 he married Mary Brocklebank, daughter of Thomas Brocklebank, the managing director of the General Steam Navigation Company, and formed a shipping company, Brocklebank & Rolt, in partnership with his father in law.
He entered business as a timber merchant and contractor. In 1852 Rolt was chosen by the Conservative Party to contest the parliamentary constituency of Greenwich. Rolt topped the poll and was elected to the Commons along with Montague Chambers of the Liberals.
He formed the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding and Engineering Company Limited of which he became chairman.
He resigned from parliament by accepting the office of Steward of the Manor of Hempholme. Rolt devoted himself to his shipping and shipbuilding interests.
He was Master of the Worshipful Company of Drapers and was created a count in the Nobility of Italy in 1871. He died at his home Trafalgar House in London"s Regent"s Park in 1882 aged 83.
16th United Kingdom Parliament]
The two-seat constituency, which included Rolt"s home town of Deptford was held by two Liberal Party members of parliament.
