Welcome toThe Rothschild Archive'swebsite

Sources for business history: plans of New Court

Sources for art history: Catalogue of the pictures of Alfred de Rothschild 1901

Sources for yachting history: Plans for Nathaniel von Rothschild's yacht Veglia 1905

Sources for natural history: Walter 2nd Lord Rothschild and his zebra carriage: c.1910

Sources for global financial history: Map of lines of the Brazil Railway Company: c.1920

Sources for business history: index cards to bank files

Sources for social history: Rothschild Hospital Paris: 1920s

Sources for business history: detail of a Rothschild bond coupon

Sources for architectural history: Halton House: 1890s

Sources for the history of travel: Lionel de Rothschild's tours of Spain: 1909

Sources for local history: Tring Park: c.1900

Sources for Royal history: shooting party with Edward Prince of Wales: 1893

Sources for political history: Lionel de Rothschild: first Jewish MP: 1858

Sources for sporting history: St Amant winner of the Derby: 1904

Sources for local history: gardeners at Aston Clinton: 1899

Sources for Rothschild family history: Lionel de Rothschild's yacht Rhodora: 1927

Sources for London history: entrance to New Court: 1965

Sources for design history: plans for Lionel de Rothschild's Rolls-Royce: 1930

Sources for business history: Rothschild gold bars produced by the Royal Mint Refinery: 1930s

Sources for business history: letters of August Belmont Rothschild Agent in New York: 1860s

Exhibition - Rothschild Gardens

5: Halton, Buckinghamshire

The Halton estate in Buckinghamshire was purchased by Lionel de Rothschild (1808-1879) in 1853 but it was not until the estate was inherited by his second son, Alfred (1842-1918), that Halton was actually used as a country residence by the family.  

Alfred immediately set about building a new mansion, employing the architect William R. Rogers who designed Halton Mansion in the style of a French château. The house was the first to be designed and built for electric lighting, an innovation which greatly impressed contemporary visitors. 

A magnificent gala opening took place on 19th January 1884, attended by the Prince of Wales. Guests were enthralled by the use of coloured lights on the mansion, gardens and fountains and Halton soon became renowned for its lavish entertaining.

The house was surrounded by conventional parterres and formal flower beds, carefully manicured lawns, winding paths and a surfeit of statues, urns, steps and balustrades. Over 60 full-time gardeners were employed to tend the hothouses and maintain the extensive grounds. 

Alfred’s demands upon his staff could often be eccentric. On one occasion he is reputed to have asked to see rambler roses adorning the columns of his Winter Garden. Although it was entirely the wrong season for such an enterprise, the gardeners dutifully imported a large stock of the required roses from the Chelsea horticulturalist, Veitch; these they managed to train half-way up the columns and the remaining area was discreetly covered with artificial flowers and leaves which, at a distance, blended with the natural plants to look most convincing. Alfred was apparently delighted with the effect.

 

Summer House Halton Park c.1887

Summer House Halton Park c.1887