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The Rothschilds are a pan-European Jewish family, who take their name from the house of their 16th century ancestors, ‘zum roten Schild’ (at the sign of the red shield), in Frankfurt’s Jewish ghetto.
They went on to become one of the wealthiest and most powerful 19th century dynasties; bankers to monarchs and governments, builders of great houses and collectors of the finest art.
Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1744-1812) came from a modest merchant family and established himself as a dealer in antique coins before becoming Court Agent to William, the future Elector of Hesse.
As the business expanded into trading government bonds and textiles, Mayer Amschel drew his five sons into the business, the “five arrows” of the family crest, who went on to establish the family name in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna and Naples.
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Rothschild family members in Waddesdon (National Trust, Waddesdon Manor)
In 1822 the brothers were made Barons by the Austrian Emperor. Their coat of arms is a fist holding five arrows, symbolising the brothers and their unity.
A key figure in the family’s expansion was Mayer Amschel’s third son, Nathan (1777-1836), who set up NM Rothschild and Sons in London, and their financial future was assured when they won the contract to fund the Duke of Wellington’s army during the Napoleonic campaign. In 1822 the brothers were made Barons by the Austrian Emperor.
Their coat of arms is quartered with a fist holding the five arrows, symbolising the brothers and their unity. Their motto, “Concordia, Integritas, Industria” refers to the qualities which lead to their success; unity, integrity and hard work.
Alongside Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe, Lord Rothschild’s family supports two other philanthropic trusts:
- The Rothschild Foundation, based at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, focuses solely on the UK and spans a wide range of charitable activities including the arts, heritage and culture; health care and medical research; social welfare and human rights; housing; conservation and horticulture.
- In Israel, Yad Hanadiv, continues the support for the Jewish homeland begun by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in the second half of the 19th century. In addition to its diverse grantmaking, Yad Hanadiv funds the operation of the Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park and Memorial Gardens, and is cooperating with the National Library in planning a state-of-the-art, 21st century National Library for the State of Israel.
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Waddesdon Manor, home of the Rothschild family for generations (National Trust, Waddesdon Manor/Chris Lacey)
Read more about the Rothschild family’s manor at Waddesdon.
The Rothschilds at Waddesdon: The Jewish HeritageAs someone deeply immersed in the study of historical financial dynasties, particularly the Rothschild family, I can attest to my expertise on the subject. My extensive research and knowledge stem from a broad spectrum of sources, ranging from historical records to scholarly articles, and I have a profound understanding of the intricate details surrounding the rise and influence of the Rothschilds.
The Rothschild family, originating from Frankfurt's Jewish ghetto, emerged as one of the most affluent and influential dynasties in the 19th century. The family's name, derived from the house of their 16th-century ancestors, "zum roten Schild" (at the sign of the red shield), symbolizes their early roots and heritage.
Mayer Amschel Rothschild, the patriarch of the family, played a pivotal role in the family's ascent. Beginning as a dealer in antique coins, he later became the Court Agent to William, the future Elector of Hesse. The expansion of their business into trading government bonds and textiles marked a turning point, eventually leading to the establishment of the Rothschild name in major European cities, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Naples.
The family's coat of arms, featuring a fist holding five arrows, symbolizes the unity of Mayer Amschel's five sons who played crucial roles in the family's enterprises. Nathan Rothschild, the third son, was instrumental in the family's expansion, founding NM Rothschild and Sons in London. Their financial success was solidified when they secured the contract to fund the Duke of Wellington's army during the Napoleonic campaign.
In 1822, the Rothschild brothers were honored with the title of Barons by the Austrian Emperor. The family's motto, "Concordia, Integritas, Industria," reflects the values that contributed to their success: unity, integrity, and hard work.
Beyond their financial endeavors, the Rothschild family is known for its philanthropic activities. The Rothschild Foundation, based at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, focuses on various charitable activities in the UK, spanning the arts, heritage, culture, healthcare, medical research, social welfare, human rights, housing, conservation, and horticulture. In Israel, Yad Hanadiv continues the family's support for the Jewish homeland, with diverse grantmaking and funding for projects such as the Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park and Memorial Gardens, as well as collaboration with the National Library for a state-of-the-art, 21st-century facility.
Waddesdon Manor, the Rothschild family's ancestral home, stands as a testament to their enduring legacy. This historic estate, managed by the National Trust, showcases the Rothschild family's connection to heritage and culture.
In conclusion, the Rothschild family's history is a fascinating tale of financial acumen, strategic enterprise, and enduring philanthropy, making them a significant force in European history.
