Mayer Amschel De Rothschild

Mayer Amschel de Rothschild (29 June 1818 – 6 February 1874) was an English businessman and politician associated with the Rothschild family’s English branch. He was the youngest son of Hannah (née Barent-Cohen) and Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777–1836).

Born in New Court, London, Mayer Amschel de Rothschild was colloquially known as "Muffy" among his family members. He pursued higher education in Europe, studying at the University of Leipzig and Heidelberg University. He also attended Magdalene College and Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, becoming the first member of his family to study at an English university.

Although he was apprenticed within the family’s banking operations across Europe, he did not become significantly involved in banking activities. In 1847, he served as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Hythe in 1859. The same year, he participated in the committee of the British Relief Association.

His mother, Hannah Rothschild, initiated the family's land acquisitions in Buckinghamshire as part of her efforts to secure outdoor exercise for her sons, considering their health concerns. By the mid-19th century, Mayer and at least one other of her sons, Anthony Nathan de Rothschild, owned extensive estates in the Vale of Aylesbury, including Aston Clinton and Mentmore. Mayer constructed Mentmore Towers, which was considered among the most luxurious residences of the Rothschilds in England at the time. His nephews, Ferdinand James von Rothschild and Alfred de Rothschild, later acquired estates at Waddesdon and Halton, respectively. His brother, Lionel de Rothschild, purchased nearby estate at Tring and gifted it to his son, Nathan Rothschild, 1st Baron Rothschild.

In 1873, Mayer Amschel de Rothschild purchased a 90-acre estate at Ascott, near Mentmore. This land was given to his nephew Leopold de Rothschild, who expanded the property into the Neo-Tudor Ascott House as it is seen today.

Mayer was known for his enthusiasm for horseback riding and hunting despite his weight of approximately 101 kilograms (around 223 pounds). He was interested in thoroughbred horse racing and established a stud farm at Crafton, Buckinghamshire. He was a member of the Jockey Club, and his horses achieved significant success: in 1871, his horses won four of the five major races known as the "classics," with Favonius winning The Derby and a horse named "Hannah" winning The Oaks, the 1,000 Guineas, and the St. Leger Stakes.

He was married to Juliana (née Cohen), and together they had a single child, a daughter named Hannah, who later became Countess of Rosebery. She inherited her father’s estate, and through her, Mentmore Towers came into the possession of the Earl of Rosebery, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1894 to 1895.

Mayer Amschel de Rothschild died in 1874 and was buried in the Willesden Jewish Cemetery, located on Beaconsfield Road in Willesden, London.