Christianity

Rollo Christianity

Rollo, Duke of Normandy is Baptised

The first Rollo was baptised a Christian in 912 following his 911 treaty with Charles III of France. A stained glass window in the chapel at St Clair-sur-Epte in Normandy celebrates the treaty. It depicts a pious scene of Rollo genuflecting before Charles III. Legend suggests that Rollo's deportment at this meeting may have been somewhat less pious than is depicted. However, some chronicles suggest that Rollo actually became a monk in his later years.

The Rollo Family has a long history of association with Christ's Church. Torstin (or Thurstan) son of Rollo, carried the standard of William the Conqueror (the Papal banner) at the Battle of Hastings 1066. The Pope supported William the Conqueror's invasion of England.

Many ancestors and descendants of William the Conqueror (a direct descendant of Rollo) were associated with the Church -

His grand-uncle Robert was Archbishop of Koven and Count de Evrux. (Born 989, died 1031).
His uncle Maugher was Archbishop of Rouen. (Died around 1054).
His uncle William (or Nicholas) was a monk at Fechamp.
His second cousin Odo was Bishop of Bayeux and Earl of Kent. (Died around 1097).
His daughter Cecily was Abbess of Holy Trinity in Caen. (Died around 1126).
His grandson Henry was Bishop of Winchester and Abbot of Glastonbury. (Died around 1171).

John Rollo was a cleric of the diocese of Moray in 1373. He is believed to have been Secretary to Robert II (Stewart King of Scots 1371 - 1390) and was granted Duncrub (the Rollo family seat in Perthshire) by David, Earl Palatine of Strathearn in 1380 (Robert II's son). Peter Rollo, grandfather of Sir Andrew the first Lord Rollo, was Bishop of Dunkeld and a judge of the Court of Session.

The original Rollo's were, of course, aligned with the Church of Rome. Whilst many branches of the Rollo Family are still Roman Catholics today, there are Rollo's active in the Presbyterian, Anglican and Adventist Churches. Modern Rollo's involved in Christian ministry include Sister Judith Rollo, Principal of Mount St Agnes School in Bermuda and Pastor George Rollo of the Adventist Church in Australia.

We would be pleased to receive details of other Rollo's who are (or have been) involved in Christian ministry. Email the information using the form.

Let the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19, v.14