Leopold de Rothschild
Leopold de Rothschild | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date United Kingdom |
| Died | May 29, 1917 (aged 71) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, racehorse breeder |
| Known for | Banking at N M Rothschild & Sons, thoroughbred racehorse breeding |
Leopold de Rothschild (born 22 November 1845, died 29 May 1917) was a distinguished British banker, a breeder of elite thoroughbred racehorses, and a notable figure within the influential Rothschild family.
Early life
As the youngest of five siblings and the third son of Lionel de Rothschild (1808–1879) and Charlotte von Rothschild (1819–1884), Leopold received his education at King's College School followed by Trinity College, Cambridge.
Banking career
Leopold entered the family banking enterprise, N M Rothschild & Sons, based in London. Following the death of his uncle, Baron Mayer de Rothschild, in 1874, he took charge of the London branch and undertook many public responsibilities previously held by his uncle. He also came into possession of Ascott House located in Buckinghamshire.
Public service
Serving as both Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace for Buckinghamshire, Rothschild was recognized in 1902 with the appointment as Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) by King Edward VII. He led the British Order of Mercy as its President, an accolade that was also conferred upon his wife in 1911. Deeply engaged in Anglo-Jewish affairs, he held positions including vice-president of the Anglo-Jewish Association, chairman of the Jewish Emigration Society, and treasurer of the London Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Thoroughbred breeding
A passionate sports enthusiast, he established Southcourt Stud in Southcote, Bedfordshire, where he developed a collection of premier European thoroughbreds. His horses achieved victories in major events such as The Derby, St. Leger Stakes, and the 2,000 Guineas, with Derby wins recorded in 1879 and 1904.
Ealing Football Club (RU)
From 1896 until 1914, Rothschild held the inaugural presidency of Ealing Football Club (RU).
Personal life
In 1881, he wed Marie Perugia (1862–1937), daughter of Achille Perugia, a merchant from Trieste. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Edward, Prince of Wales. The couple had three sons:
- Lionel Nathan (1882–1942)
- Evelyn Achille (1886–1917)
- Anthony Gustav (1887–1961)
Their residence was at Gunnersbury Park, once inhabited by Princess Amelia and now serving as Gunnersbury Park Museum. An avid art collector, Leopold owned paintings by artists including Jan Davidszoon de Heem.
In 1912, an assassination attempt was made on him by William Tebbit, who discharged five shots at his car. Leopold de Rothschild passed away on 29 May 1917 and was interred at the family burial site within Willesden Jewish Cemetery in North London.