Wealth and Notoriety: the Extraordinary Families of William Levy and Charles Lewis of London

This book is much more than just a catalogue of genealogical facts, dates and events. It reveals an extraordinary family with noteworthy individuals in almost every branch. Some were wealthy; some were notorious. Their activities frequently surfaced in the courts and in newspapers. Their wealth originated from a London Jewish couple, William and Elizabeth Levy, whose 'disorderly house' attracted the attention of an 1817 House of Commons enquiry. Later generations were able to enter more respectable professions; they became lawyers, businessmen, theatre owners, military heroes, pioneering adventurers, actors, writers and artists. Amongst those mentioned are: William Levy, Charles Lewis, Lawrence Isaac Nathan, Laurence Hanray, Lawrence Levy, Edward Lawrence Levy, Robert Neck, Frank Van Neck, Morrice Levy, Henry Harris, Samuel Harris, Alan King-Hamilton, Edward Dillon Lewis, Charles Wray Lewis, Ernest Lewis, Donald Swain Lewis, Edward Tyrrell Lewis, Somers Reginald Lewis, Arthur Percy Lewis.