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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2014}}
[[File:Great coat of arms of Rothschild family.svg|thumb|right|Coat of Arms of [[Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild|Jacob Rothschild]], current head of the family]]
[[File:Great coat of arms of Rothschild family.svg|thumb|right|The coat of arms of [[Nathaniel Rothschild, 5th Baron Rothschild|Nathaniel Rothschild]], current head of this branch]]
The '''Rothschild banking family of England''' was founded in (1798) by [[Nathan Mayer Rothschild|Nathan Mayer von Rothschild]] (1777–1836) who first settled in [[Manchester]] but then moved to [[London]], [[England]] (at the time in the [[Kingdom of Great Britain]]). Nathan was sent there from his home in [[Frankfurt]] by his father, [[Mayer Amschel Rothschild]] (1744–1812). Wanting his sons to succeed on their own and to expand the family business across [[Europe]], Mayer Amschel Rothschild had his eldest son remain in Frankfurt, while his four other sons were sent to different European cities to establish a financial institution to invest in business and provide banking services. Nathan Mayer von Rothschild, the third son, first established a [[textile]] jobbing business in Manchester and from there went on to establish [[N M Rothschild & Sons]] bank in London.
The '''Rothschild banking family of England''' is the English branch of the [[Rothschild family]]. It was founded in 1798 by [[Nathan Mayer Rothschild]] (1777–1836), who first settled in [[Manchester]] before moving to [[London]], England, which was then part of the [[Kingdom of Great Britain]]. He was sent there from his home in [[Free City of Frankfurt|Frankfurt]] by his father, [[Mayer Amschel Rothschild]] (1744–1812). Wanting his sons to succeed on their own and to expand the family business across Europe, Mayer Amschel Rothschild had his eldest son remain in Frankfurt, while his four other sons were sent to different European cities to establish a financial institution to invest in business and provide banking services. Nathan Mayer Rothschild, the third son, first established a [[textile]] jobbing business in Manchester and from there went on to establish [[N M Rothschild & Sons]] bank in London.


From the home base in [[Frankfurt]], Rothschild sons not only established themselves in the UK but also in [[Paris]], [[Vienna]] and [[Naples]] in the [[Two Sicilies]]. Through their collaborative efforts, the Rothschilds rose to prominence in a variety of banking endeavours<!--Please don't delete the "u" as the word "England" appears in the title of this article--> including [[loan]]s, [[government bond]]s and trading in [[bullion]]. Their financing afforded investment opportunities and during the 19th century they became major stakeholders in large-scale [[mining]] and [[rail transport]] ventures that were fundamental to the rapidly expanding industrial economies of [[Europe]].
From the family's home base in Frankfurt, the Rothschild family not only established itself in London but also in [[Paris]], [[Vienna]] and [[Naples]] in the [[Two Sicilies]]. Through their collaborative efforts, the Rothschilds rose to prominence in a variety of banking endeavours,<!--Please don't delete the "u" as the word "England" appears in the title of this article--> including [[loan]]s, [[government bond]]s and trading in [[bullion]]. Their financing afforded investment opportunities, and during the 19th century, they became major stakeholders in large-scale [[mining]] and [[rail transport]] ventures that were fundamental to the rapidly expanding industrial economies of Europe.


Changes in the heads of government, war, and other such events affected the family's fortunes both for their benefit and to their detriment at various times. Despite such changes, the UK branch of the Rothschild family is arguably the most prominent of all the Rothschild branches due its elevation to the British peerage, and its continued high-profile philanthropic activities.
Changes in governments, wars and other such events affected the family's fortunes, both for their benefit and to their detriment at various times. Despite such changes, the English branch of the Rothschild family is arguably the most prominent of all the Rothschild branches, partly due to its elevation to the [[British peerage]] and its continued high-profile philanthropic activities.


== Involvement in finance and industry ==
== Involvement in finance and industry ==
[[File:Nathan Rothschild.jpg|thumb|[[Nathan Mayer Rothschild]], founder of the English branch of the Rothschild banking dynasty.]]
⚫
During the early part of the 19th century, the Rothschild's London bank took a leading part in managing and financing the subsidies that the British government transferred to its allies during the [[Napoleonic Wars]]. Through the creation of a network of agents, couriers and shippers, the bank was able to provide funds to the armies of the [[Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|Duke of Wellington]] in [[Portugal]] and [[Spain]], therefore funding war. In 1818 the Rothschild bank arranged a £5 million loan to the [[Prussia]]n government and the issuing of [[Bond (finance)|bonds]] for government [[loan]]s. The providing of other innovative and complex financing for government projects formed a mainstay of the bank's business for the better part of the century. N M Rothschild & Sons financial strength in the [[City of London]] became such that by 1825–26, the bank was able to supply enough coin to the [[Bank of England]] to enable it to avert a [[market liquidity|liquidity]] crisis. {{Citation needed|date=January 2023}}


⚫
During the early part of the 19th century, the Rothschild family's London bank took a leading part in managing and financing the subsidies that the British government transferred to its allies during the [[Napoleonic Wars]]. Through the creation of a network of agents, couriers and shippers, the bank was able to provide funds to the armies of the [[Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|Duke of Wellington]] in [[Portugal]] and [[Spain]]. In 1818, the Rothschild bank arranged a £5 million loan to the [[Prussia]]n government and the issuing of [[Bond (finance)|bonds]] for government loans. The providing of other innovative and complex financing for government projects formed a mainstay of the bank's business for the better part of the century. The financial strength of N M Rothschild & Sons in the [[City of London]] became such that by 1825–26, the bank was able to supply enough coin to the [[Bank of England]] to enable it to avert a [[market liquidity|liquidity]] crisis.{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}}
⚫
Nathan Mayer's eldest son, [[Lionel de Rothschild]] (1808–1879) succeeded him as head of the London branch. Under Lionel the bank financed the British government's 1875 purchase of [[Egypt]]'s interest in the [[Suez Canal]]. Lionel also began to invest in railways as his uncle [[James Mayer de Rothschild|James]] had been doing in France. In 1869, Lionel's son, [[Alfred de Rothschild]] (1842–1918), became a [[List of directors of the Bank of England|director of the Bank of England]], a post he held for 20 years. Alfred was one of those who represented the British Government at the 1892 [[International Monetary Conferences|International Monetary Conference]] in [[Brussels]].


⚫
Nathan Mayer's eldest son, [[Lionel de Rothschild]] (1808–1879), succeeded him as head of the London branch. Under Lionel, the bank financed the British government's 1875 purchase of [[Egypt]]'s interest in the [[Suez Canal]]. Lionel also began to invest in railways, as his uncle [[James Mayer de Rothschild|James]] had been doing in France. In 1869, Lionel's son, [[Alfred de Rothschild]] (1842–1918), became a [[List of directors of the Bank of England|director of the Bank of England]], a post he held for 20 years. Alfred was one of those who represented the British government at the 1892 [[Brussels Monetary Conference (1892)|International Monetary Conference]] in [[Brussels]].
⚫
The Rothschild bank funded [[Cecil Rhodes]] in the development of the [[British South Africa Company]] and [[Leopold de Rothschild]] (1845–1917) administered Rhodes's estate after his death in 1902 and helped to set up the [[Rhodes Scholarship]] scheme at [[Oxford University]]. In 1873, [[de Rothschild Frères]] in France and N M Rothschild & Sons of [[London]] joined with other investors to acquire the Spanish government's money-losing [[Rio Tinto Group|Rio Tinto]] copper mines. The new owners restructured the company and turned it into a profitable business. By 1905, the Rothschild interest in Rio Tinto amounted to more than 30 per cent. In 1887, the French and UK Rothschild banking houses loaned money to, and invested in, the [[De Beers]] diamond mines in [[South Africa]], becoming its largest shareholders.


⚫
The Rothschild bank funded [[Cecil Rhodes]] in the development of the [[British South Africa Company]], and [[Leopold de Rothschild]] (1845–1917) administered Rhodes's estate after his death in 1902 and helped to set up the [[Rhodes Scholarship]] scheme at [[Oxford University]]. In 1873, [[de Rothschild Frères]] in France and N M Rothschild & Sons of London joined with other investors to acquire the Spanish government's money-losing [[Rio Tinto Group|Rio Tinto]] copper mines. The new owners restructured the company and turned it into a profitable business. By 1905, the Rothschild interest in Rio Tinto amounted to more than 30 per cent. In 1887, the French and English Rothschild banking houses loaned money to, and invested in, the [[De Beers]] diamond mines in [[South Africa]], becoming its largest shareholders.
⚫
The London banking house continued under the management of [[Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942)|Lionel Nathan de Rothschild (1882–1942)]] and his brother [[Anthony Gustav de Rothschild]] (1887–1961) and then to [[Sir Evelyn de Rothschild]] (b. 1931). In 2003, following Sir Evelyn's retirement as head of N M Rothschild & Sons of [[London]], the UK and French financial firms merged under the leadership of [[David René de Rothschild]].

⚫
The London banking house continued under the management of [[Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942)|Lionel Nathan de Rothschild]] (1882–1942) and his brother [[Anthony Gustav de Rothschild]] (1887–1961), and then to [[Sir Evelyn de Rothschild]] (1931–2022). In 2003, following Sir Evelyn's retirement as head of N M Rothschild & Sons of London, the English and French financial firms merged under the leadership of [[David René de Rothschild]].


== Other activities ==
== Other activities ==
Beyond banking and finance, members of the Rothschild family in the UK became [[academic]]s, [[scientist]]s and [[horticulture|horticulturalists]] with worldwide reputations.
Beyond banking and finance, members of the Rothschild family in the UK became [[academic]]s, [[scientist]]s and [[horticulture|horticulturalists]] with worldwide reputations.


[[Nathaniel de Rothschild]] (1812–1870) was born in [[London]], the fourth child of the founder of the British branch of the family. In 1842, he married cousin [[Charlotte de Rothschild]] (1825–1899) of [[Paris]], [[France]]. She was the daughter of [[James Mayer de Rothschild]] and in 1850 they moved to Paris where he was to work for his father-in-law's bank. However, in 1853, Nathaniel acquired Château Brane Mouton, a [[vineyard]] in [[Pauillac]] in the [[Gironde]] [[département]] of France.
[[Nathaniel de Rothschild]] (1812–1870) was born in London, the fourth child of the founder of the English branch of the family. In 1842, he married his cousin [[Charlotte de Rothschild]] (1825–1899) of [[Paris]], France. She was the daughter of [[James Mayer de Rothschild]], and in 1850, they moved to Paris, where he was to work for his father-in-law's bank. However, in 1853, Nathaniel acquired Château Brane Mouton, a [[vineyard]] at [[Pauillac]] in the [[Gironde]] [[département]] of France.


== Elevation to British peerage ==
== Elevation to British peerage ==
In 1822, the five Rothschild brothers at the head of the family's banks in various parts of Europe were each granted the hereditary title of ''[[Freiherr]]'' ([[baron]]) in the [[Austrian nobility]] by Emperor [[Francis I of Austria]] (formerly [[Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor|Francis II]], the last [[Holy Roman Emperor]]).<ref name="Wurzbach1874">{{cite book|author=Constantin von Wurzbach|title=Biographisches Lexikon des Kaiserthums Oesterreich|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bb1gAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA120|year=1874|publisher=Zamarski|location=Vienna|language=de|page=120}}</ref> As a result, some members of the Rothschild family used the [[nobiliary particle]] ''de'' or ''[[von]]'' before their surname to acknowledge the grant of nobility.
In 1822, the five Rothschild brothers at the head of the family's banks in various parts of Europe were each granted the hereditary title of ''[[Freiherr]]'' ([[baron]]) in the [[Austrian nobility]] by Emperor [[Francis I of Austria]] (formerly [[Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor|Francis II]], the last [[Holy Roman Emperor]]).<ref name="Wurzbach1874">{{cite book|author=Constantin von Wurzbach|title=Biographisches Lexikon des Kaiserthums Oesterreich|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bb1gAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA120|year=1874|publisher=Zamarski|location=Vienna|language=de|page=120}}</ref> As a result, some members of the Rothschild family used the [[nobiliary particle]] ''de'' or ''[[von]]'' before their surname to acknowledge the grant of nobility.


In 1847, [[Anthony Nathan de Rothschild]] (1810–1876) was made a [[baronet]] in the [[Baronetage of the United Kingdom]].<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=20684|date=18 December 1864|page=5885}}</ref> Upon his death, the title went to his nephew [[Nathan Mayer Rothschild, 1st Baron Rothschild|Nathan Mayer Rothschild]], who was subsequently elevated to the [[House of Lords]] when he was created [[Baron Rothschild]] in 1885, with which title the baronetcy remains merged.
In 1847, [[Anthony Nathan de Rothschild]] (1810–1876) was made a [[baronet]] in the [[Baronetage of the United Kingdom]].<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=20684|date=18 December 1864|page=5885}}</ref> Upon his death, the title went to his nephew [[Nathan Mayer Rothschild, 1st Baron Rothschild|Nathan Mayer Rothschild]], who was subsequently elevated to the [[House of Lords]] when he was created [[Baron Rothschild]] in 1885, with which title the baronetcy remains merged.
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== Philanthropy ==
== Philanthropy ==
The English Rothschilds and members of the other branches in Europe were all major contributors to causes in aid of the Jewish people. However, many of their philanthropic efforts extended far beyond Jewish ethnic or religious communities. They built hospitals and shelters for the needy{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}, supported cultural institutions and were patrons of individual artists. Their donation of works of art to various galleries has been the largest of any family in history. At present, a research project is underway by The Rothschild Archive [https://web.archive.org/web/20130823152508/http://www.rothschildarchive.org/ib/?doc=%2Fib%2Farticles%2Fproject1pd] in London to document the family's philanthropic involvements.
The English Rothschilds and members of the other branches in Europe were all major contributors to causes in aid of the Jewish people. However, many of their philanthropic efforts extended far beyond Jewish ethnic or religious communities. They built hospitals and shelters for the needy{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}, supported cultural institutions and were patrons of individual artists. Their donation of works of art to various galleries has been the largest of any family in history. At present, a research project is underway by the Rothschild Archive in London to document the family's philanthropic involvements.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rothschildarchive.org/ib/?doc=%2Fib%2Farticles%2Fproject1pd | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823152508/http://www.rothschildarchive.org/ib/?doc=%2Fib%2Farticles%2Fproject1pd | archive-date=23 August 2013 | title=Research Project: Project description }}</ref>


== Family members ==
== Family members ==
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{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* [[Alfred de Rothschild]] (1842–1918)
* [[Alfred de Rothschild]] (1842–1918)
* [[Amschel Mayor James Rothschild]] (1955–1996)
* [[Amschel Rothschild]] (1955–1996)
* [[Anthony Gustav de Rothschild]] (1887–1961)
* [[Anthony Gustav de Rothschild]] (1887–1961)
* [[Anthony James de Rothschild]] (b. 1977)
* [[Anthony James de Rothschild]] (b. 1977)
* [[Anthony Nathan de Rothschild]] (1810–1876)
* [[Sir Anthony de Rothschild, 1st Baronet]] (1810–1876)
* [[Charles Rothschild]] (1877–1923)
* [[Charles Rothschild]] (1877–1923)
* [[Charlotte Henriette de Rothschild]] (b. 1955)
* [[Charlotte Henriette de Rothschild]] (b. 1955)
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* [[Dorothy de Rothschild]] (1895–1988)
* [[Dorothy de Rothschild]] (1895–1988)
* [[Edmund Leopold de Rothschild]] (1916–2009)
* [[Edmund Leopold de Rothschild]] (1916–2009)
* [[Emma Georgina Rothschild]] (b. 1948)
* [[Emma Rothschild]] (b. 1948)
* [[Evelina de Rothschild]] (1839–1866)
* [[Evelina de Rothschild]] (1839–1866)
* [[Evelyn Achille de Rothschild]] (1886–1917)
* [[Evelyn de Rothschild (born 1886)|Evelyn de Rothschild]] (1886–1917)
* [[Evelyn Robert de Rothschild|Sir Evelyn de Rothschild]] (1931-2022)
* [[Evelyn Robert de Rothschild|Sir Evelyn de Rothschild]] (1931–2022)
* [[Ferdinand James von Rothschild]] (1839–1898)
* [[Ferdinand James von Rothschild]] (1839–1898)
* [[Hannah Primrose, Countess of Rosebery|Hannah de Rothschild, Countess of Rosebery]] (1851–1890)
* [[Hannah Primrose, Countess of Rosebery|Hannah de Rothschild, Countess of Rosebery]] (1851–1890)
* [[Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild]] (b. 1936)
* [[Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild]] (1936–2024)
* [[Nica de Koenigswarter|Kathleen (Nica de Koenigswarter) Rothschild]] (1913–1990)
* [[Nica de Koenigswarter|Kathleen (Nica de Koenigswarter) Rothschild]] (1913–1988)
* [[Leopold de Rothschild]] (1845–1917)
* [[Leopold de Rothschild]] (1845–1917)
* [[Leopold David de Rothschild]] (1927–2012)
* [[Leopold David de Rothschild]] (1927–2012)
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* [[Nathaniel de Rothschild]] (1812–1870)
* [[Nathaniel de Rothschild]] (1812–1870)
* [[Nathan Mayer Rothschild]] (1777–1836)
* [[Nathan Mayer Rothschild]] (1777–1836)
* [[Nathan Mayer Rothschild, 1st Baron Rothschild]] (1840–1915)
* [[Nathan Rothschild, 1st Baron Rothschild]] (1840–1915)
* [[Gregory Zalewski de Rothschild]] (b. 2001)
* [[Nathaniel Rothschild, 5th Baron Rothschild]] (b. 1971)
* [[Richard Anton de Rothschild]] (b. 1966)
* [[Serena Dunn Rothschild]] (1935–2019)
* [[Nathaniel Philip Rothschild]] (b. 1971)
* [[Serena Dunn Rothschild]] (1935-2019)
* [[Victor Rothschild, 3rd Baron Rothschild]] (1910–1990)
* [[Victor Rothschild, 3rd Baron Rothschild]] (1910–1990)
* [[Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild]] (1868–1937)
* [[Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild]] (1868–1937)
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== Rothschild properties ==
== Rothschild properties ==
{{See also|Rothschild properties in the Home counties}}
{{See also|Rothschild properties in the home counties}}


Among the Rothschild properties in the UK are:
Among the Rothschild properties in the UK are:
* [[Ascott House]] – [[Ascott, Buckinghamshire|Ascott]], [[Buckinghamshire]]

* [[Ascott House]] – [[Ascott, Buckinghamshire]]
* [[Ashton Wold]] – [[Northamptonshire]]
* [[Aston Clinton House]] – [[Aston Clinton]], Buckinghamshire
* [[Aston Clinton House]] – [[Aston Clinton]], Buckinghamshire
* [[Ashton Wold]] – [[Northamptonshire]]
* [[Exbury Gardens|Exbury Estate]] – [[Hampshire]]
* [[Exbury Gardens|Exbury Estate]] – [[Hampshire]]
* [[Eythrope]] – [[Waddesdon]], Buckinghamshire
* [[Eythrope]] – [[Waddesdon]], Buckinghamshire
* [[Gunnersbury Park]] – [[Ealing]], London
* [[Gunnersbury Park]] – [[Ealing]], London
* [[Halton House]] – [[Halton, Buckinghamshire]]
* [[Halton House]] – [[Halton, Buckinghamshire|Halton]], Buckinghamshire
* [[Mentmore Towers]] – [[Mentmore]], Buckinghamshire
* [[Mentmore Towers]] – [[Mentmore]], Buckinghamshire
⚫
* [[Spencer House, Westminster|Spencer House]] – [[St James's]], London (a [[leasehold]] extending until 2082 was purchased in 1986 from the Spencer family that owns the house)
* [[Tring Park Mansion]] – [[Tring]], [[Hertfordshire]]
* [[Tring Park Mansion]] – [[Tring]], [[Hertfordshire]]
* [[Waddesdon Manor]] – [[Waddesdon]], Buckinghamshire
* [[Waddesdon Manor]] – Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
⚫
* [[Spencer House, London|Spencer House]] – [[St James's]], [[London]]. A [[leasehold]] extending until 2082 was purchased in 1986 from the Spencer family who owns the house.


== See also ==
== See also ==
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* ''The House of Rothschild (vol. 2): The World's Banker: 1849–1999'' by [[Niall Ferguson]]. [[Diane Publishing Co.]] (1999) {{ISBN|0-7567-5393-7}}
* ''The House of Rothschild (vol. 2): The World's Banker: 1849–1999'' by [[Niall Ferguson]]. [[Diane Publishing Co.]] (1999) {{ISBN|0-7567-5393-7}}
* ''Charlotte and Lionel: A Rothschild Love Story'' by [[Stanley Weintraub]]. (2003) [[Free Press, London]] {{ISBN|0-7432-2686-0}}
* ''Charlotte and Lionel: A Rothschild Love Story'' by [[Stanley Weintraub]]. (2003) [[Free Press, London]] {{ISBN|0-7432-2686-0}}

==Further reading==
* ''The Women of Rothschild: The Untold Story of the World's Most Famous Dynasty'', [[Natalie Livingstone]] (2021) {{ISBN|978-1529366716}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140729132912/http://www.rothschildarchive.org/ta/ The Rothschild Archive] – an international centre in [[London]] for research into the history of the [[Rothschild family]].
* [https://www.rothschildarchive.org/ The Rothschild Archive] – an international centre in London for research into the history of the Rothschild family
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060628013616/http://www.charlottederothschild.com/musical_assoc.htm The Musical Associations of the Rothschild Family] by [[Charlotte Henriette de Rothschild]]
* [https://www.charlottederothschild.com/rothschilds The Musical Associations of the Rothschild Family] – webpage by [[Charlotte Henriette de Rothschild]]


{{Rothschilds}}
{{Rothschilds}}


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[[Category:Economy of England]]
[[Category:Economy of England]]
[[Category:Rothschild family| ]]
[[Category:Rothschild family| ]]
[[Category:Ashkenazi Jews topics]]
[[Category:English Ashkenazi Jews]]
[[Category:Jewish British history]]
[[Category:Jewish British history]]
[[Category:Business families of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Business families of the United Kingdom]]

Revision as of 05:19, 27 June 2024

The coat of arms of Nathaniel Rothschild, current head of this branch

The Rothschild banking family of England is the English branch of the Rothschild family. It was founded in 1798 by Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777–1836), who first settled in Manchester before moving to London, England, which was then part of the Kingdom of Great Britain. He was sent there from his home in Frankfurt by his father, Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1744–1812). Wanting his sons to succeed on their own and to expand the family business across Europe, Mayer Amschel Rothschild had his eldest son remain in Frankfurt, while his four other sons were sent to different European cities to establish a financial institution to invest in business and provide banking services. Nathan Mayer Rothschild, the third son, first established a textile jobbing business in Manchester and from there went on to establish N M Rothschild & Sons bank in London.

From the family's home base in Frankfurt, the Rothschild family not only established itself in London but also in Paris, Vienna and Naples in the Two Sicilies. Through their collaborative efforts, the Rothschilds rose to prominence in a variety of banking endeavours, including loans, government bonds and trading in bullion. Their financing afforded investment opportunities, and during the 19th century, they became major stakeholders in large-scale mining and rail transport ventures that were fundamental to the rapidly expanding industrial economies of Europe.

Changes in governments, wars and other such events affected the family's fortunes, both for their benefit and to their detriment at various times. Despite such changes, the English branch of the Rothschild family is arguably the most prominent of all the Rothschild branches, partly due to its elevation to the British peerage and its continued high-profile philanthropic activities.

Involvement in finance and industry

Nathan Mayer Rothschild, founder of the English branch of the Rothschild banking dynasty.

During the early part of the 19th century, the Rothschild family's London bank took a leading part in managing and financing the subsidies that the British government transferred to its allies during the Napoleonic Wars. Through the creation of a network of agents, couriers and shippers, the bank was able to provide funds to the armies of the Duke of Wellington in Portugal and Spain. In 1818, the Rothschild bank arranged a £5 million loan to the Prussian government and the issuing of bonds for government loans. The providing of other innovative and complex financing for government projects formed a mainstay of the bank's business for the better part of the century. The financial strength of N M Rothschild & Sons in the City of London became such that by 1825–26, the bank was able to supply enough coin to the Bank of England to enable it to avert a liquidity crisis.[citation needed]

Nathan Mayer's eldest son, Lionel de Rothschild (1808–1879), succeeded him as head of the London branch. Under Lionel, the bank financed the British government's 1875 purchase of Egypt's interest in the Suez Canal. Lionel also began to invest in railways, as his uncle James had been doing in France. In 1869, Lionel's son, Alfred de Rothschild (1842–1918), became a director of the Bank of England, a post he held for 20 years. Alfred was one of those who represented the British government at the 1892 International Monetary Conference in Brussels.

The Rothschild bank funded Cecil Rhodes in the development of the British South Africa Company, and Leopold de Rothschild (1845–1917) administered Rhodes's estate after his death in 1902 and helped to set up the Rhodes Scholarship scheme at Oxford University. In 1873, de Rothschild Frères in France and N M Rothschild & Sons of London joined with other investors to acquire the Spanish government's money-losing Rio Tinto copper mines. The new owners restructured the company and turned it into a profitable business. By 1905, the Rothschild interest in Rio Tinto amounted to more than 30 per cent. In 1887, the French and English Rothschild banking houses loaned money to, and invested in, the De Beers diamond mines in South Africa, becoming its largest shareholders.

The London banking house continued under the management of Lionel Nathan de Rothschild (1882–1942) and his brother Anthony Gustav de Rothschild (1887–1961), and then to Sir Evelyn de Rothschild (1931–2022). In 2003, following Sir Evelyn's retirement as head of N M Rothschild & Sons of London, the English and French financial firms merged under the leadership of David René de Rothschild.

Other activities

Beyond banking and finance, members of the Rothschild family in the UK became academics, scientists and horticulturalists with worldwide reputations.

Nathaniel de Rothschild (1812–1870) was born in London, the fourth child of the founder of the English branch of the family. In 1842, he married his cousin Charlotte de Rothschild (1825–1899) of Paris, France. She was the daughter of James Mayer de Rothschild, and in 1850, they moved to Paris, where he was to work for his father-in-law's bank. However, in 1853, Nathaniel acquired Château Brane Mouton, a vineyard at Pauillac in the Gironde département of France.

Elevation to British peerage

In 1822, the five Rothschild brothers at the head of the family's banks in various parts of Europe were each granted the hereditary title of Freiherr (baron) in the Austrian nobility by Emperor Francis I of Austria (formerly Francis II, the last Holy Roman Emperor).[1] As a result, some members of the Rothschild family used the nobiliary particle de or von before their surname to acknowledge the grant of nobility.

In 1847, Anthony Nathan de Rothschild (1810–1876) was made a baronet in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom.[2] Upon his death, the title went to his nephew Nathan Mayer Rothschild, who was subsequently elevated to the House of Lords when he was created Baron Rothschild in 1885, with which title the baronetcy remains merged.

In 1858, Lionel de Rothschild (1808–1879) became the first practising Jew to take a seat in the British Parliament.

Philanthropy

The English Rothschilds and members of the other branches in Europe were all major contributors to causes in aid of the Jewish people. However, many of their philanthropic efforts extended far beyond Jewish ethnic or religious communities. They built hospitals and shelters for the needy[citation needed], supported cultural institutions and were patrons of individual artists. Their donation of works of art to various galleries has been the largest of any family in history. At present, a research project is underway by the Rothschild Archive in London to document the family's philanthropic involvements.[3]

Family members

For the family tree of the Rothschild family, see Genealogy of the Rothschild family.

Members of the Rothschild family of the UK include:

Rothschild properties

See also: Rothschild properties in the home counties

Among the Rothschild properties in the UK are:

See also

References

  1. ^ Constantin von Wurzbach (1874). Biographisches Lexikon des Kaiserthums Oesterreich (in German). Vienna: Zamarski. p. 120.
  2. ^ "No. 20684". The London Gazette. 18 December 1864. p. 5885.
  3. ^ "Research Project: Project description". Archived from the original on 23 August 2013.

Further reading


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