Roger Hill was born on January 10, 1495, in Taunton, Somerset, England, to Sir William Hill and Lady Eleanor Boyle. His early years were spent in the lush landscapes of Somerset, a county known for its rolling hills and agricultural prosperity. The Hill family, part of the gentry, had established their seat at Poundisford, near Taunton, indicating a comfortable social standing.

Before his marriages, Roger likely engaged in the family’s wool trade business, a thriving industry in 15th-century England. This period was marked by the relative stability of the Tudor reign, although societal hierarchies and class distinctions were strongly pronounced. As a member of the gentry, Roger would have been educated and trained in managing estates and commerce.

Roger’s first marriage was around 1515 to Alicia Somerset Toose, with whom he had two children, Joan and John. After Alicia’s death, he married Margery Toose, Alicia’s younger sister, in 1520. They had several children, including Robert, Margaret, William, Edward, Alice, and possibly others. This practice of marrying within the same family was not uncommon in that era, often done to maintain alliances and wealth within close circles.

As a merchant, Roger Hill was part of the burgeoning middle class in England, benefiting from the expanding trade networks. His work would have involved managing trade deals, possibly in wool and other goods, which were vital to England’s economy. The 16th century saw the rise of merchant wealth, challenging the traditional power of the nobility.

During Roger’s lifetime, England was undergoing significant changes. The Tudor period was a time of relative political stability but also of religious upheaval, especially under Henry VIII. Locally, Somerset would have been affected by these national events, but also maintained its rural and agricultural character.

While there is no specific record of Roger facing discrimination due to his race, it’s important to note that class distinctions were rigid during this time. As a member of the gentry and a successful merchant, Roger would have enjoyed certain privileges but also faced limitations in social mobility and political influence compared to the nobility.

Roger Hill passed away in March 1546 in Taunton, Somerset, England. He was buried at St Mary Magdalene Church, Writhlington. His will, dated January 6, 1544, and proved on April 8, 1546, reflects a man of wealth and status, leaving bequests for religious services, his children, and his wife.

Roger Hill’s life, spanning the early 16th century in Somerset, England, paints a picture of a prosperous merchant in a time of great change. His story, interwoven with family, commerce, and the socio-political landscape of Tudor England, offers a glimpse into the life of an English gentry family during a pivotal period in history.