rotulorum

Rotulorum is a Latin term meaning “of the rolls,” with the possessive form rotulorum. In English usage it is most familiar as part of the title Custos Rotulorum, literally “keeper of the rolls.” The rolls referred to are the official records kept in a county, most notably the rolls of the justices of the peace.

Historically, the Custos Rotulorum was the chief civil officer in a county in England and Wales. The position dated from the Tudor era and was typically held by the senior justice of the peace. The custodian was responsible for custody of the county’s records and for the administration of the commission of the peace. In many periods the Custos Rotulorum also presided over meetings of the quarter sessions and acted as the leading magistrate in the county, often overlapping with or being held in conjunction with the office of Lord Lieutenant.

Over time, the practical powers associated with the office diminished as local government and judicial administration evolved. In modern practice, the role is largely ceremonial. In most counties the office is combined with the Lord Lieutenant, and the appointment is made by the Crown, usually reflecting the senior local civil or noble leadership rather than a distinct political office.

Etymologically, rotulus means a small roll or scroll, and rotulorum is its genitive plural form. The phrase Custos Rotulorum therefore embodies the historical concept of a keeper or guardian of official records and rolls within a county.