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Steven Rolfe

Steven Rolfe (Date of birth unknown - Died 1269), was a notorious murderer during 1269, in the country of Gloucestershire. He was hanged for four accounts of murder, including high ranking official, Aldus Payne, Vassal to Gilbert De Clare, 6th Earl of Hertford, 7th Earl of Gloucester, 3rd Lord of Glamorgan, 9th Lord of Clare.

Satanism and Murder

In 1269, Steven Rolfe murdered an enforcer, John Hughes, in the service of Aldus Payne, Vassal to the Earl. Rolfe managed to escape the scene, but horsemen were soon ordered to track him down. Moments before the murder of John Hughes, a young boy was hanged. The boy was executed for attempted murder, against William Webb, also an Enforcer of Aldus Payne. It is suspected that Rolfe was related to the young boy in some way, and took out his revenge on Hughes.

Henry Nash, a loyal enforcer to Aldus Payne, was sent to track down Rolfe. Gallantly Nash questioned and searched for Rolfe, all over Gloucestershire and also parts of Worcestershire. His search was cut short, when eventually he was called back to Gloucester. Steven Rolfe, scared and alone, handed himself into the authorities. He was soon imprisoned and interrogated. The details are hazy why Rolfe was interrogated, but it is rumoured that he had accomplices, one being a priest. Bishop Godfrey Giffard, outraged by the apparent betrayal of one of his clergy men, ordered for Rolfe to be interrogated and imprisoned for life, until he either died or the priest gave himself in.

In late 1269, Steven Rolfe escaped his captives, leaving the prison and breaking into the home of Aldus Payne. That night Rolfe committed three more atrocities, first murdering Henry Nash, and then William Webb. Aldus Payne was his final victim. It is said that Rolfe cut the heart from Aldus's chest, consuming the blood, in a satanic ritual for strength. He was soon caught and hanged in Gloucestershire.

Before the execution Rolfe exhibited more of his satanic acts, when he attacked the Bishop, Godfrey Giffard, who at the time was trying to give him the last rites.

Death and Burial

Steven Rolfe was hanged in 1269 for committing four counts of murder. His body was left as a warning, but disappeared mysteriously. Many at the time believe the devil pulled his spirt to hell, his body disappearing into ash, as referenced in transcripts found in Gloucester. However, his body was most likely cut down by his allies. Some believe that his body was taken by his followers, displayed as a hero of the follows of Satan.

Martyrdom

Aldus Payne, William Webb, Henry Nash and John Hughes, were all hailed as hero's. Gilbert De Clare paid for his Vassal, Aldus Payne, to be buried with the honours of a Lord. Transcripts found in the city of Gloucestershire, describes the four as fighters against evil, killed for their beliefs and dedication to their Earl and God.