UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. You have rejected additional cookies. I gave them their orders and they wanted to stay and discuss them. He is famous for his major role in the Napoleonic wars. Wellington boots are named after him. Arthur Wellesley 1st Duke of Wellington is today more famous as a soldier than as a politician.
In fact, as the Prime Minister, he was known for his measures to repress reform, and his popularity sank a little during his time in office. Fatherless at an early age, and neglected by his mother, he was a reserved, withdrawn child.
He failed to shine at Eton, and instead attended private classes in Brussels, followed by a military school in Angers. Ironically, the young duke had no desire for a military career. Instead he wished to pursue his love of music. He fought at Flanders in , and directed the campaign in India in , where his elder brother was Governor General. Knighted for his efforts, he returned to England in He continued with his military career despite his parliamentary duties, fighting campaigns in Portugal and France, and being made commander of the British Army in the Peninsular War.
He was given the title Duke of Wellington in , and went on to command his most celebrated campaigns in the Napoleonic Wars, with final victory at Waterloo in He undertook a number of diplomatic visits overseas, including a trip to Russia. In , after twice being overlooked in favour of Canning and Goderich , the Duke of Wellington was finally invited by King George IV to form his own government and set about forming his Cabinet.
As Prime Minister, he was very conservative; known for his measures to repress reform, his popularity sank a little during his time in office.
