Goldsmid, Isaac Lyon, Sir, Baronet (1778 -1859)

Isaac Lyon Goldsmid, Jewish financier and philanthropist, was the son of Asher Goldsmid. A bullion broker, and very rich, he was devoted to the causes of Jewish emancipation and non sectarian education, and was instrumental in the foundation of University College, London then called the University of London, and of University College Hospital. He married, 29 April 1804, his first cousin, Isabel, daughter of Abraham Goldsmid. Through his influence the Jewish Disabilities Bill was introduced in 1832, and passed the Commons in 1833, although it was for many years thrown out by the House of Lords. In recognition of his public services he was created a Baronet in 1841, the first Jewish Baronet, and in 1845 Baron de Goldsmid e da Palmeira in the Kingdom of Portugal. In 1849, Goldsmid bought Somerhill House near Tonbridge, Kent. Oh his death, it passed to his son Frederick. His library was sold after the death of his daughter Anna Maria Goldsmid in 1889.