Imagine receiving the keys to a grand townhouse after a victorious battle. That’s precisely what happened to the Duke of Wellington. We are standing before Apsley House. This is the London home of the Dukes of Wellington.
Apsley House, also known as Number One, London, boasts a rich history. Originally, it was built for Lord Apsley in the 1770s. The neoclassical design came from Robert Adam. Later, Richard Wellesley acquired it in 1807.
However, it was Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, who truly made Apsley House famous. In 1817, he purchased it from his brother. Fresh from his triumph at Waterloo, Wellington needed a base befitting his status. Parliament voted him £700,000 to build a Waterloo Palace. Instead he used £40,000 of it to buy Apsley House.
Observe the building’s exterior. The Duke commissioned Benjamin Dean Wyatt to expand and renovate Apsley House. Wyatt added a three-story extension, including the State Dining Room. Later, the Waterloo Gallery was added. The red brick was covered with Bath stone. An impressive portico completed the transformation.
Inside Apsley House, Wellington showcased his extensive art collection. European rulers gifted him many pieces in gratitude for his victory over Napoleon. These works of art are still displayed here.
Consider the annual Waterloo Banquet. It was a significant event held each year on June 18. Initially, it took place in the State Dining Room. Later, it moved to the grand Waterloo Gallery.
Interestingly, the cost of renovations angered Wellington. Wyatt’s final bill exceeded £64,000. Wellington even contemplated selling Apsley House.
Note Antonio Canova’s statue of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker. It stands at the foot of the staircase. The floor had to be reinforced to hold its weight. You can also view Wellington’s sword from Waterloo in the Plate and China Room.
Apsley House wasn’t intended as a family home. The Duke’s wife and children primarily lived at Stratfield Saye. Apsley House served as a venue to welcome powerful figures of his time.
In 1947, the 7th Duke of Wellington gifted Apsley House to the nation. The Wellington Museum Act of 1947 ensured its preservation. Today, English Heritage manages Apsley House. Part of it remains a family residence. The rest is open to the public as a museum.
Before you leave, remember that Apsley House is more than just a building. It symbolizes Wellington’s legacy. It is a testament to his military achievements and political influence. It is a place where history comes alive.