Rolls' Office

   On the east side of Chancery Lane on part of the site now occupied by the Record Office (O.S. 1880).

   First mention: Messuage called "The Rolles" north of a messuage between "Clifford's Inne east and Chancelor Lane west," 12 H. VII. (Add. MS. 5627, f. 38).

   Stow describes it as the house of the Rolles, and says that the site was formerly occupied by the house of the converted Jews founded by Henry III., 1233. See (House of) Converts (S. 395).

   In consequence of the Jews' banishment, the number of converts decreased, and in 1377 the house was annexed by patent to Wm. Burstall, Keeper of the Rolls, 51 Ed. III. (S. 396). The converts, however, remained here until the 17th century.

   Rebuilt 1717-24.

   The Rolls and Records of the Court of Chancery continued to be kept here until the erection of the Record Office, 1856-70, where they are now deposited, and the Rolls' House, the official residence of the Master of the Rolls, was incorporated in the new building.

   The Liberty of the Rolls comprised the precincts of this house and chapel, and the privileges claimed may have originated in the privileges accorded to the House of Converts by charter of Henry III. It seems to have been first definitely so designated in 1664 (Midd. Rec. III. 337).