James Walter Grimston, 4th Earl of Verulam (17 April 1880 – 29 November 1949) was a British peer, electrical engineer and businessman, sometimes identified with the fringes of the intelligence service.

Early life and education

Verulam was the son of James Grimston, 3rd Earl of Verulam and Margaret Frances Graham. He was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford. He succeeded to the earldom upon the death of his father in 1924.

Career

Verulam founded Enfield Cables Ltd and had many business interests in oil and telecommunications, including as a director of British Thomson-Houston. He reputedly allowed MI6 the use of some of the premises on his estate and was a business associate and personal friend of World War II internee Robert Liversidge.

Marriage and children

Verulam married Lady Violet Constance Maitland Brabazon (1886–1936), younger daughter of Reginald Brabazon, 12th Earl of Meath, on 27 October 1909. They had four sons, two of whom succeeded to the earldom and two of whom were killed in action in the Second World War.

Death

Verulam died in November 1949 at the age of 69 and was succeeded in his titles by his brother, James.