Background
She was a member of the Rothschild banking family of Naples, but was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. She was the eldest child and only daughter of Carl Mayer von Rothschild (1788–1855) and Adelheid Herz (1800–1853).
She was a member of the Rothschild banking family of Naples, but was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. She was the eldest child and only daughter of Carl Mayer von Rothschild (1788–1855) and Adelheid Herz (1800–1853).
They had the following children:
Leonora (1837–1911)
Evelina (1839–1866)
Nathan Mayer (1840–1915)
Alfred Charles (1842–1918)
Leopold (1845–1917)
The couple maintained residences at 148 Piccadilly and Gunnersbury Park in London where, in the tradition of the English family, she used the style "de" Rothschild. Charlotte von Rothschild"s arranged marriage flourished for 43 years based on great love and mutual respect. Charlotte de Rothschild became one of England"s most prominent socialites whose dinner invitations, according to biographer Stanley Weintraub were favoured over those from Buckingham Palace.
In 1844, she caused a sensation in London society when the American showman P. T. Barnum and his celebrated midget "Tom Thumb" performed at her home.
However, beyond socializing and entertaining, Charlotte von Rothschild was a dedicated patron of numerous charities with a special interest in education. Charlotte von Rothschild died at her Gunnersbury Park home in 1884 and was buried next to her husband in the Willesden Jewish Cemetery.