Architect. Born Manchester (or Lancaster depending on source) as Lewis Henry Isaacs. In 1860 he was living in London and appointed Captain in the 40th Middlesex Rifle Volunteer Corps. 1872 he was promoted to Major and then resigned a few months later.
Works in London include the 1870 King Lud pub and 1876 Holborn Viaduct Hotel (demolished 1963). He went into partnership with H. L. Florence. Their joint works in London include: 1885 Hotel Victoria (now the Grand) in Northumberland Avenue, 1896 Coburg Hotel (now the Connaught) in Carlos Place.
1882 his wife, Eliza, died and in 1884 a former nanny, Elizabeth Vincent, returned to look after the daughter 12-year old Estelle. In 1887 Vincent, aged 24, gave birth to Isaacs' child. In 1889, Isaacs was at Vincent's home in Richmond to discuss the financial arrangements for their child. Vincent had a gun and the end result was Vincent shooting Isaacs in the wrist. Vincent was accused of feloniously shooting at Isaacs, with intent to murder, and of intent to do grievous bodily harm. She was acquitted. This shocking story was brought to our attention by Ludgate Circus who tell it much better, and with more details than we have, and also provide links to the Old Bailey record.
1885 appointed Surveyor for the District of Holborn. 1885-92 MP for Walworth. 1903-4 Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington. Died somewhere in the Strand area.
This information comes from Ludgate Circus, Scottish Architects and Graces Guide.
