JUST IN: Lord Jacob Rothschild Dies At Age Of 87

Lord Jacob Rothschild dies at the age of 87. The famous financier and heir to the Rothschild banking dynasty, has been reported dead at the age of 87 by his family.

The British peer was a successful entrepreneur who co-founded multiple businesses, notably St James’ Place, a wealth management firm, and Windmill Hill Asset Management, a family office. He has also held prominent positions with the family bank NM Rothschild & Sons, BSkyB Television, and the Rothschild Investment Trust.

However, he was also well-known for his love of the arts and culture, as well as his philanthropic contributions to many organisations. He served as chairman of the National Gallery, the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as a supporter of other organisations and programmes in art, education, science, and Jewish culture.

In 2002, he received the Order of Merit, a renowned distinction bestowed upon persons who have provided extraordinarily meritorious service in the domains of arts, literature, learning, and science.

In a statement sent to the PA news agency, his family added: “Our father Jacob was a towering presence in many people’s lives, a superbly accomplished financier, a champion of the arts and culture, a devoted public servant, a passionate supporter of charitable causes in Israel and Jewish culture, a keen environmentalist and much-loved friend, father and grandfather.”

“He will be buried by Jewish custom in a small family ceremony and there will be a memorial at a later date to celebrate his life.”

Lord Jacob Rothschild was born in 1936 as the eldest son of Victor Rothschild, the third Baron Rothschild, and Barbara Hutchinson, a poet and writer. He attended Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied history.

He joined the family bank in 1963 and became chairman in 1976. He left the bank in 1980 after a disagreement with his cousin Sir Evelyn de Rothschild and started his own business.

He married Serena Dunn, the granddaughter of Canadian billionaire Sir James Dunn, in 1961. They had four children named Hannah, Beth, Emily, and Nathaniel. He had two children from a previous relationship, Kate and James.

He was the fourth Baron Rothschild, a title granted in 1885 to honour his great-grandfather Nathan Mayer Rothschild, who founded the Rothschild banking empire’s British division.

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