Paul Boughton

Spice of the Devil: The Outrageous Life of Lady Valerie Meux delves into the fascinating and controversial world of this one-of-a-kind woman. From her humble beginnings as a butcher's daughter to her ascent as a wealthy socialite and owner of a major brewery, Lady Meux's life was a whirlwind of reinvention and audacious behaviour. Her eccentricity was legendary, known for her flamboyant dress, sharp wit, and penchant for shocking society. Spice of the Devil offers a glimpse into a bygone era,...

It is a real thrill to see Spice of the Devil on sale at Lowewood Museum, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. My thanks to all the staff and volunteers. And they have ordered more copies. Fantastic! #SpiceOfTheDevil #LadyMeux #PaulBoughtonAuthor #WomenInHistory

Lady Valerie Meux owned many properties, including a country house 15 km south-east of Paris, a city she frequently visited. The property was the Château de Sucy-en-Brie, one of the finest surviving seventeenth-century country houses in the Paris region. It is closely associated with the architect François Le Vau, brother of the more famous Louis Le Vau, architect of parts of Versailles. These modern views show the château after its extensive restoration by the town of Sucy-en-Brie. See:...