Subject

Henry Bruce Meux was born at 41 Brook Street into a wealthy brewery family and became the 3rd baronet. Theobalds, the family country seat, had been closed as a result of his father's insanity, but, following his (our Henry's) marriage to the beautiful social climber, Valerie (painted 3 times by Whistler), he re-opened and greatly extended the house, including a roller skating rink. He had an interest in history and in 1888-9 he acquired the Temple Bar, which had been removed from the City and was in storage, and had it re-erected as the main entrance to Theobalds. Died at Theobalds, childless and still a wealthy man, thus leaving Valerie, aged 48, one of the richest women in Britain. Our picture shows Henry and Valerie. Good post about Valerie at Londonist.