Mayer Amschel de Rothschild
Baron Mayer Amschel de Rothschild | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1818-06-29 New Court, London, England |
| Died | 1874-02-06 |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 1847–1874 |
| Known for | Member of the Rothschild family, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Liberal MP for Hythe |
Baron Mayer Amschel de Rothschild (29 June 1818 – 6 February 1874) was a prominent English entrepreneur and political figure affiliated with the English segment of the Rothschild family. As the youngest child of Hannah (Barent-Cohen) and Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777–1836), he bore the name of his grandfather, the founder of the family's legacy.
Life
Affectionately called "Muffy" within his family, he was born at New Court in London. His education included studies at the University of Leipzig, Heidelberg University, and notably at both Magdalene and Trinity Colleges of Cambridge University, marking him as the first Rothschild to matriculate at an English university. Although trained within the family’s European banking branches, he did not assume a significant position within their financial enterprise. He held the office of High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in 1847 and secured election as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Hythe in 1859. Additionally, in 1847 he supported the British Relief Association as part of its committee.
The initiative for acquiring estates in Buckinghamshire came from his mother, Hannah, who purchased prime hunting lands near Aylesbury to benefit her sons' health. By the middle of the nineteenth century, Mayer had acquired Mentmore estate, where he commissioned Mentmore Towers, one of the most magnificent homes constructed by the Rothschild family. Nearby, other family members established notable residences: Anthony Nathan de Rothschild at Aston Clinton; Ferdinand James von Rothschild at Waddesdon; Alfred de Rothschild at Halton; and Lionel de Rothschild at Tring—a property he later passed on to his son, Nathan Rothschild, 1st Baron Rothschild. In 1873, Mayer expanded his holdings by purchasing 90 acres at Ascott near Mentmore, which his nephew Leopold de Rothschild subsequently enlarged into the Neo-Tudor style Ascott House.
Despite weighing over 15 stones (101 kg), Mayer was a dedicated horseman and fox hunter. His enthusiasm for thoroughbred racing led him to establish a stud farm in Crafton, Buckinghamshire. He was also a member of the prestigious Jockey Club. The year 1871 was especially successful for his racing stable, with victories in four out of five British classic events: "Favonius" won The Derby; while "Hannah" secured wins in The Oaks, 1,000 Guineas, and St. Leger Stakes.
Family
Mayer de Rothschild married Juliana (née Cohen), and together they had a single daughter, Hannah, who became their sole heir. Through her inheritance, Mentmore Towers passed to the Earl of Rosebery, who held the office of Prime Minister between 1894 and 1895.
Baron Mayer Amschel de Rothschild passed away in 1874 and was interred at Willesden Jewish Cemetery in London.