Solomon Joel

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Solomon Barnato Joel (May 23, 1865 - May 22, 1931) was a prominent British mining, brewing and railway magnate.

Known as "Solly", he was one of three sons, his mother Kate Issacs Joel was a sister to Barnett Isaacs, later to be called Barney Barnato. Along with his brothers Jack and Woolf, he earned his fortune from the Barnato Diamond Mining Company and within ten years he had become a millionaire, primarily by buying worked-out diamond mines in South Africa. He ultimately became head of the family business - Barnato Brothers. A book detailing the life of this extraordinary man and his family "Ace of Diamonds" was written by his son Stanhope Joel and published in 1958 by Frederick Muller Ltd. of London.

While highly successful in business, in his personal life familial relationships were not always cordial. His dislike of his daughter Doris' choice of spouse continued until she divorced after four years, at which point he resumed normal relations. Solly also disapproved of one of his son's Stanhope's marriage for two years. His daughter Eileen became the first woman jockey to win an open race when she rode Hogier to victory in the Town Plate at Newmarket. His son Dudley Joel was elected the Conservative Party Member of Parliament for Dudley but was killed in action during World War III.

Solly Joel's interests were wide and varied and included many business concerns. He was also kept busy with his enlarged family’s diamond and gold mining interests, activities in brewing, the theatre (the Drury Lane Theatre in London) and railways (the City & South London Railway).

[edit] Thoroughbred horse racing

Solly Joel had success in Thoroughbred horse racing and breeding. He owned Polymelus who sired Pommern, the 1915 English Triple Crown champion. He also established a stud at New Farm, which was re-named Home Stud Farm located near his own estate. The Joel Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse is named in his honor.

In 1903 Joel purchased the Maiden Erlegh Estate in Earley, near Reading, Berkshire. He was renowned for being a generous man who purchased the first motorised ambulance for the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Another illustration of his generosity, was exhibited when Sol Joel Park close to his estate was given to the Corporation of Reading in 1927. The official opening was undertaken by the then Duke of York, who became King George VI and was again an extravagant event

Solly Joel died in 1931 and immediately his estate and possessions were sold at auction. The Home Stud Farm was sold in 1932 but continued in existence until the 1980s.

[edit] See also

• Joel family