History of Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild in Timeline

Nathaniel Charles Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild, was a prominent British peer, investment banker, and member of the illustrious Rothschild banking family. Throughout his life, Rothschild played significant roles in both business and British public life. He was also notably active in various charitable and philanthropic endeavors, contributing to numerous causes and organizations.

April 1936: Birth Details and Early Life

Born on 29 April 1936 at Merton Hall in Cambridge, Jacob Rothschild was the eldest son of Victor Rothschild, 3rd Baron Rothschild, and Barbara Judith Rothschild. He was educated at Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford.

April 1936: Birth of Jacob Rothschild

Nathaniel Charles Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild, was born on 29 April 1936. This date marks the birth of a future prominent British peer, investment banker, and member of the Rothschild banking family.

1957: National Trust Inheritance

In 1957, Waddesdon Manor was bequeathed to the National Trust by James A. de Rothschild. Jacob Rothschild later played a key role in its restoration.

1961: Marriage to Serena Mary Dunn

In 1961, Jacob Rothschild married Serena Mary Dunn, a granddaughter of Canadian financier Sir James Dunn. They had four children together.

1963: Career at N M Rothschild & Sons

In 1963, Jacob Rothschild began his career at the family bank N M Rothschild & Sons in London, marking the start of his journey in the banking sector.

1980: Founding J. Rothschild Assurance Group

After leaving N M Rothschild & Sons in 1980, Jacob Rothschild founded J. Rothschild Assurance Group (now St. James's Place plc) with Mark Weinberg.

1980: Departure from N M Rothschild & Sons

In 1980, Jacob Rothschild left N M Rothschild & Sons due to a family dispute. Despite this, he continued to exert influence through the Rothschild Investment Trust.

1985: Chairman of Trustees of the National Gallery

In 1985, Jacob Rothschild became Chairman of Trustees of the National Gallery, highlighting his significant role in arts philanthropy in Britain.

1988: Inheritance of Waddesdon and Eythrope Estates

In 1988, Jacob Rothschild inherited the Waddesdon and Eythrope estates from his aunt Dorothy de Rothschild. He became a major benefactor of Waddesdon Manor's restoration.

1989: Bid for British American Tobacco

In 1989, Jacob Rothschild joined Sir James Goldsmith and Kerry Packer in an unsuccessful bid for British American Tobacco, highlighting his willingness to take risks.

1989: Chairman of Yad Hanadiv

Starting in 1989, Jacob Rothschild chaired Yad Hanadiv, the family foundation that contributed to building Israel's Knesset and Supreme Court buildings. He expanded its focus to education and environmental pursuits.

1990: Margaret Thatcher Hosts François Mitterrand at Waddesdon Manor

In 1990, Margaret Thatcher received French president François Mitterrand at Waddesdon Manor, a property associated with Jacob Rothschild.

1991: Expansion into Insurance

In 1991, Jacob Rothschild expanded his business ventures by founding J. Rothschild Assurance Group, demonstrating his ability to innovate and adapt in the financial sector.

1991: End of Term at National Gallery

Jacob Rothschild's tenure as Chairman of Trustees of the National Gallery ended in 1991, marking the end of a significant period of his contributions to the arts.

1992: Chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund

In 1992, Jacob Rothschild became Chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, further contributing to the preservation of Britain's heritage.

1993: Establishment of the Butrint Foundation

In 1993, Jacob Rothschild co-founded the Butrint Foundation with John Sainsbury to conserve the archaeological site of Butrint in Albania. He remained Chairman until his death.

1998: End of Term at National Heritage Memorial Fund

Jacob Rothschild's tenure as Chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund ended in 1998, concluding a significant chapter in his philanthropic efforts.

2002: Chairman of the Pritzker Prize for Architecture

From 2002 to 2004, Jacob Rothschild served as Chairman of the Pritzker Prize for Architecture, contributing to the recognition of excellence in architectural design.

2002: European Economic Round Table Conference at Waddesdon Manor

In 2002, Waddesdon Manor hosted the European Economic Round Table conference, organized by Warren Buffett and attended by notable figures such as James Wolfensohn and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

November 2003: Deputy Chairman of BSkyB Television

In November 2003, Jacob Rothschild was appointed Deputy Chairman of BSkyB Television, marking a significant milestone in his diverse business career.

2003: YUKOS Shares Deal

In 2003, it was reported that Mikhail Khodorkovsky's shares in YUKOS passed to Jacob Rothschild under a deal made before Khodorkovsky's arrest, showcasing Rothschild's significant business dealings.

2004: End of Term as Chairman of Pritzker Prize

Jacob Rothschild's tenure as Chairman of the Pritzker Prize for Architecture ended in 2004, concluding his involvement in promoting architectural excellence.

2008: Retirement from Trustee Roles

In 2008, Jacob Rothschild retired from several trustee positions, including the State Hermitage Museum of St Petersburg, Courtauld Institute, and Ashmolean Museum Oxford.

2008: Retirement from UK Main Honours Board

In 2008, Jacob Rothschild retired from the UK Main Honours Board and several other committees, concluding his significant contributions to public service.

November 2010: Investment in Genie Energy

In November 2010, an entity affiliated with Jacob Rothschild purchased a 5% equity interest in Genie Energy, demonstrating his ongoing engagement in strategic investments.

2010: Retirement from Edmond J Safra Foundation

In 2010, Jacob Rothschild retired from his role as Trustee of the Edmond J Safra Foundation, marking the end of his involvement in major philanthropic activities.

2010: Retirement from Qatar Museums Authority

In 2010, Jacob Rothschild retired from his role as a Trustee of the Qatar Museums Authority, marking the end of his contributions to various international cultural institutions.

2013: Oil and Gas Exploration Rights

In 2013, Israel granted Genie Energy exclusive oil and gas exploration rights in the Golan Heights, marking a significant achievement for Jacob Rothschild's investment strategies.

2014: J. Paul Getty Medal

In 2014, Jacob Rothschild received the J. Paul Getty Medal for his extraordinary achievements in museology, art historical research, philanthropy, and conservation.

2015: Waddesdon Manor Visitor Numbers

In 2015, 157,000 people visited Waddesdon Manor, reflecting Jacob Rothschild's effective management and the estate's growing popularity.

2015: Flint House Wins 2015 RIBA Award

In 2015, Jacob Rothschild commissioned Flint House, which won the RIBA Award. He donated this property to the Rothschild Foundation, which manages the Waddesdon Manor estate in Buckinghamshire for the National Trust.

2017: Award for Waddesdon Manor

In 2017, Waddesdon Manor won Visit England's "Large Visitor Attraction of the Year" award, highlighting its success as a premier destination under Jacob Rothschild's oversight.

2018: Waddesdon Manor Visitor Numbers

In 2018, Waddesdon Manor attracted over 466,000 visitors, showcasing the success of its restoration and public appeal under Jacob Rothschild's guidance.

2018: End of Chairmanship at Yad Hanadiv

Jacob Rothschild's tenure as chairman of Yad Hanadiv ended in 2018, marking the conclusion of a significant period of philanthropic contributions in Israel.

2019: Death of Lady Rothschild

Lady Rothschild, wife of Jacob Rothschild, passed away in 2019. Her death marked a significant personal loss for the Rothschild family.

2020: Commander of the Royal Victorian Order

In 2020, Jacob Rothschild was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order for his services to the Duchy of Cornwall, recognizing his significant contributions.