The arrival of Walter Rothschild at Buckingham Palace, steering a carriage harnessed to four zebras, served as a singular demonstration of his commitment to proving that the animals could be tamed. Born in London in 1868, the eldest son of Nathan Rothschild, 1st Baron Rothschild, he spent his life balancing the expectations of a preeminent financial dynasty with a singular obsession for natural history.
Financial Obligations and Early Interests
Though he preferred the study of butterflies and insects, Rothschild was compelled to join the family firm, N M Rothschild & Sons, at the age of 21. He remained in the banking profession from 1889 until 1908. During these years, his parents funded expeditions worldwide to secure specimens for his museum. He was educated at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and his early academic path was influenced by the naturalist Albert Günther.
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Rothschild assembled what remains the largest zoological collection ever gathered by a private individual. His holdings reached 300,000 bird skins, 2,250,000 butterflies, and 30,000 beetles. He relied on professional staff like Ernst Hartert and Karl Jordan to manage his extensive archives. The collection, which was housed in his private museum in Tring, was bequeathed to the British Museum upon his death in 1937, marking the largest accession in that institution's history.
Political and Diplomatic Roles
Beyond science, Rothschild served as a Member of Parliament for Aylesbury from 1899 to 1910, representing the Liberal Unionist Party. His political life included service in the 26th, 27th, and 28th Parliaments. As a prominent Zionist, he maintained a close relationship with Chaim Weizmann and served as the recipient of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which formalised British support for a Jewish national home in Palestine.
Titles and Honors
Upon the death of his father in 1915, he inherited the peerage title 2nd Baron Rothschild. He held significant positions, including President of the Royal Entomological Society from 1921 to 1922 and President of the British Ornithological Union from 1923 to 1928. His scientific contributions were acknowledged through his 1911 election as a Fellow of the Royal Society and the 1897 Victoria Medal of Honour.
Fast facts
- Born: 1868, London
- Died: 1937, Tring
- Education: Magdalene College
- Parliamentary Service: 1899–1910
- Fellow of the Royal Society: 1911
- Victoria Medal of Honour: 1897
- Burial: Willesden Jewish Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Why did he leave the banking industry?
He lacked interest and ability in the financial profession and was finally permitted to resign from the family bank in 1908 at age 40.
What became of his zoological museum?
Upon his death in 1937, his museum in Tring was gifted to the British Museum and currently operates as a division of the Natural History Museum.
Achievements
- Educated at Magdalene College
- Worked as banker, politician and ornithologist
