---
node: duke_of_wellington
type: person
slug: duke_of_wellington
title: "Duke of Wellington"
lead: "The Duke of Wellington (1769–1852) was the British general who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815 and later served twice as prime minister. He was one of Britain's most celebrated soldiers."
published: 2026-07-11
updated: 2026-07-11
image_file: duke_of_wellington.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sir_Arthur_Wellesley,_1st_Duke_of_Wellington.jpg"
image_author: "Thomas Lawrence"
image_license: "Public domain"
---

## Who they were

Arthur Wellesley made his name in India, then led allied forces through the Peninsular War against France in Spain and Portugal. In 1815, with the Prussians under Blücher, he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, ending the Napoleonic Wars. Entering politics, he served as prime minister (1828–30) and oversaw Catholic Emancipation in 1829.

## What they did

As a commander he was noted for defensive skill and careful logistics; as a Tory statesman he was a conservative force in an age of reform.

## Legacy

Waterloo made Wellington a national hero, commemorated across Britain, and 'the Iron Duke' became a byword for steadfastness. His victory shaped a European peace that broadly held for decades.