b'HistoryThe Rolls of Monmouth Estate, also known as The Hendre, has been the country seat of the Rolls family since 1767 when John Rolls married Sarah Coysh.The mansion was originally a hunting lodge, but successive generations have enlarged it, adding extra rooms and facilities that reflected their particular concerns and interests.It was John Allen Rolls, an enthusiastic bibliophile, who commissioned the fine cedar library from Sir Aston Webb, the architect who built the facade of Buckingham Palace, Admiralty Arch and other notable parts of the Mall.John Allen Rolls was also an MP, High Sheriff of Monmouthshire and the first Baron Llangattock.He took part in many races on the continent, including the One of his remarkable descendants, Charles Stewart Rolls,Paris to Berlin Race of 1901, before setting up a car sales and was the co-founder of the Rolls Royce motor company.repair company, CS Rolls of Fulham, in 1902, selling mainly Charles had many unusual interests for a young man of hisPanhard vehicles.background. When he met Frederick Royce in 1904, and saw the quality During his holidays from Eton he supervised theof the car he had built, he immediately suggested joining installation of the first electricity supply to the family home.forces to manufacture their own cars.He read mechanics at Cambridge and bought his first car, a 33/4hp Peugeot whilst on a visit to Paris.Charles, however, was not only interested in cars. In fact, from 1906 to 1909, he spent much of his time and energy on Driving home from Cambridge to Monmouth for Christmasthe new sport of ballooning, organising frequent races and took him three days despite achieving a remarkable 12 mph.ballooning parties at the Monmouth estate.He arrived at midnight to be greeted by delighted crowds who had never seen a car before. In 1908, Charles went to France to meet the Wright Brothers and was thrilled to fly with Wilbur in his latest 4'