A Brief Chronological Outline

Sir David Salomons (1797-1873)

Financier, Sheriff, Alderman, the first Jewish Lord Mayor of London and a major figure in the fight for Anglo-Jewish emancipation. Son of Levy Salomons, Merchant and Underwriter of London and Frant, Sussex.

1797

Born 22^nd November 1797, London

1825

Married Jeanette Cohen, daughter of Solomon and Hannah Cohen.

1829

Buys Broom Hill Cottage, a small country house situated in Southborough, Tunbridge Wells.

1839

Appointed Sheriff of Kent. His brother Philip Salomons was Sheriff of Sussex in 1852.

1851

Elected MP for Greenwich. He lost his seat in 1855, but was subsequently re-elected in 1859 and remained an MP until his death.

1855

Appointed first Jewish Lord Mayor of London and is instrumental in securing the same political rights for Jews, Roman Catholics and Quakers as already enjoyed by other Englishmen.

1869

Created a Baronet, 28^th October 1869.

1873

Died 18 July 1873, Great Cumberland Place, Hyde Park, London

Sir David Lionel Salomons (1851-1925)

Only son of Philip Salomons and nephew to Sir David Salomons.

Scientist and Engineer, has been described as a gifted amateur with lots of talent.

1851

Born 28^th June 1851, Brighton, Sussex

1870 

Invents the electric exposing camera

1873

Succeeds to his uncle's Baronetcy by special remainder

1876

Water tower completed. This was used to contain the water supply for the mansion and the estate. The water was first pumped from a local stream using a hydraulic ram.

1882

Marries Laura Julia de Stern, younger daughter of Baron Hermann de Stern, 20 July 1882.

1883

Installs electricity at Broom Hill for the purposes of lighting and power.

1885

Only son, David Reginald Salomons born.

1890

Commences the building of a stable complex for 21 horses and a coach house for 12 carriages. Building work was completed in 1894 at a total cost of £27,000.

1894-1896

Science Theatre built for the purpose of providing scientific lectures and demonstrations.

1895

Organises the first "Horseless Carriage Exhibition" in Tunbridge Wells. This was England's first motor show. Chairman of the Tunbridge Wells Electric Light Company.

1902

Science Theatre extended.

1911

Broomhill connected to mains electricity supply.

1914

Installs Welte Philharmonic Organ in the Theatre. This replaced an earlier Welte Organ which had been installed in 1910.

1915

Only son, David Reginald Salomons drowns when H.M.S. Hythe is sunk on 28 October 1915.

1925

Died 19 April 1925.