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 - Motoring Rothschilds

4: Miss Alice's double landau

Waddesdon Manor is one of the best known of the Rothschild houses, built between 1874-1884 by Ferdinand de Rothschild (1839-1898). When Ferdinand died, the property passed to his sister, Miss Alice de Rothschild (1847-1922). It was Miss Alice who introduced the motor-car to Waddesdon.

In 1906, a journalist from The Car magazine came to inspect the Waddesdon garages, noting that Miss Alice used a small de Dion to get about the estate, but when visiting family at Mentmore Towers or Tring Park, she used a 25 hp CGV double landau. It had a very long wheelbase, with a body built to her own design – to ensure ‘maximum comfort’.

Miss Alice  is remembered for her meticulous care and instructions concerning the interior of Waddesdon and its collections and this care extended to the grounds too – she designed a drip tray to fit under the car so that every drop of oil or water was collected so as not to spoil the gravel of her drive, or those of any relative she happened to visit.

Miss Alice's double landau at Waddesdon Manor c.1906

Miss Alice's double landau at Waddesdon Manor c.1906