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 Zetland Ronaldshay, in the County of Orkney and Zetland, and Marquess of Zetland. The Earl of Ronaldshay is the courtesy title of the eldest son and heir of the Marquess. He was succeeded by his son, the second Marquess. He was also a prominent politician and served as Governor of Bengal and as Secretary of State for India. the titles are held by his grandson, the fourth Marquess, who succeeded his father in 1989. The family seat is Aske Hall, Richmond, North Yorkshire. The heir apparent is the present holder's eldest son Robin Lawrence Dundas, Earl of Ronaldshay (b. 1965).<br> The