Wallace Collection of the wealthiest families in Europe. They owned large properties in England, Wales and Ireland, and increased their wealth through successful marriages. Politically of lesser importance, the 3rd and 4th Marquess and Sir Richard Wallace became leading art collectors of their time. The Wallace Collection, comprising about 5,500 works of art, was bequeathed to the British nation by Lady Wallace in 1897. The state then decided to buy Hertford House to display the collection and it was opened as a museum in 1900. As a museum the Wallace Collection's main strength is perhaps its extraordinary array of 18th-century French art:
Marquess of Altamira Marquess of Altamira Marquess of Altamira is a Spanish noble title. In December 23, 1702, King Philip V of Spain granted the title to Don Luis Sánchez de Tagle y de la Rasa, 1st Marquess of Altamira from the previous title of Viscount Tagle. Famous members include Don Luis Sánchez de Tagle, 1st Marquess of Altamira who was once the most influential and richest man in New Spain, Don Pedro Sánchez de Tagle known as the "Father of Tequila" and first Empress of Mexico, Empress Ana Maria, who is the great great great grandniece of Don Luis Sánchez de Tagle.