Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852), was his common name, but you may know him as “The Duke of Wellington”. In 1815, as the commander of the allied armies, he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. He was thereafter hailed by Europe’s rulers as the man who saved Europe, (and their thrones).
Gerry had read a biography of Wellington, and grew to admire his honesty and integrity. He was a great man in politics, the military, and in the way he lived his life. Visiting his “little” home, Apsley House has been on our “bucket list” for quite a while. Saturday, 15 January, we ventured to Apsley House, located near the Duke’s statue, the Wellington Arch, and Hyde Park Corner.
After WWII, the succeeding Duke of Wellington gave the house to the British Government. (It was too expensive to maintain). In exchange, the government allows the current Duke and family to live in selected rooms.
Wellington collected art, and the walls are covered with 200 great paintings. There’s a room to display his sword collection, plus the gifts he received from Europe’s monarchs. After Waterloo, he continued to serve his county’s government, and was twice Prime Minister.
Photography is not allowed in the home, but some interior photos are posted at the house’s official web site.
After Apsley House, we visited Covent Garden, a popular shopping and tourist site, with lots of street actors, jugglers, and magicians. We walked by a comedian who, as he spotted me, said, “Father! I thought I told you to stay in the car! Oh my, he’s drunk again.” I suppose that was meant to be funny.
Here’s Captain Jack Sparrow and Gerry. Judging by the gloves, and the look on Gerry’s face, I think the dental hygienist in her just can’t resist giving him a good cleaning. I don’t blame her – I remember Jack’s teeth!
No comments:
Post a Comment