Baron De Stern

Born in a family of a wine merchant from Frankfurt, Hermann settled with his brother in London where they founded the finance company “Stern Brothers” in 1830s. The firm soon became one of the most successful and reputable banking houses in London. It was specialized in loans to foreign governments for railways and other works. For his services to Portugal king Hermann was made baron in 1864. He married Julia Goldsmid of the Goldsmid banking family, and by marriage on his father’s side he was related to the famous Rothschild family.

He died in 1887, leaving £3.5m in his will, or £3.4bn in today's terms. During his heirs, the family business decreased since they were more inclined to politics and society.