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Barney Barnato

British businessman (1851–1897)

Barney Barnato (born Barnet Isaacs; 21 February 1851 – 14 June 1897) was a British Randlord and diamond magnate who was one of the entrepreneurs who gained control of diamond mining, and later, gold mining in South Africa from the 1870s up to World War I. He was known as a rival of Cecil Rhodes.

Barnato was born Barnet Isaacs in Aldgate, London, on 21 February 1851, to Isaac and Leah Isaacs. He and his siblings, Harry, Kate, Sarah and Lizzie, grew up in Whitechapel. Their mother died in 1852 and their father made a living by selling second hand clothing and fabric remnants. Barnato was educated by Moses Angel at the Jews' Free School, but left school with Harry in their early teens to join their father's business. The brothers performed on stage in the music halls as the Great Henry Isaacs "and Barnett too". They became known as Bar-na-to, or the Barnato, Brothers. Barney also become a prizefighter. In 1873, Barnato joined his brother Harry in the Cape Colony during the diamond rush. The pair eventually bought four claims in Kimberley.

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