Duke of Wellington - Quick facts
Born Arthur Wellesley in Dublin.
Wellington became known for his military skill, particularly at Waterloo, where his defeat of Napoleon secured his place as one of the most famous soldiers in British history.
He was 58 years, 266 days and 65 years, 200 days when he became Prime Minister.
He was nicknamed “The Iron Duke”, “Europe’s Liberator” and “Saviour of the Nations”
He succeeded in passing the Catholic Emancipation Bill - something which caused the downfall of many earlier prime ministers - and he remains one of the best-known figures of British history.
He was given the title Duke of Wellington in 1814, and went on to command his most celebrated campaigns in the Napoleonic Wars, with final victory at Waterloo in 1815.
On returning to Britain, Wellington was feted as a hero, formally honoured, and presented with both an estate in Hampshire and a fortune of £400,000.
After the Battle of Waterloo, Wellington became Commander in Chief of the army in occupied France until November 1818
He was offered a cup of tea on his deathbed. His reply - ‘Yes, if you please’ - turned out to be his last words.
Duke of Wellington Battles -
1793-94 - Flanders Campaign
Duke of Wellington Awards -
Knight of the Order of the Garter
Knight of the Order of St Patrick
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order
Anglo-Filipino Expedition
1798-99 - Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
1802-05 - Second Anglo-Maratha War
1808-14 - Peninsular War
1815 - Waterloo campaign
