The Stokers moved to London, where Stoker became acting manager and then business manager of Irving's
Lyceum Theatre in the
West End, a post he held for 27 years. On 31 December 1879, Bram and Florence's only child was born, a son whom they christened Irving Noel Thornley Stoker. The collaboration with Henry Irving was important for Stoker and through him, he became involved in London's high society, where he met
James Abbott McNeill Whistler and
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Working for Irving, the most famous actor of his time, and managing one of the most successful theatres in London made Stoker a notable if busy man. He was dedicated to Irving and his memoirs show he idolised him. In London, Stoker also met
Hall Caine, who became one of his closest friends – he dedicated
Dracula to him.