Apsley House

Apsley House, located at Hyde Park Corner, has long been known as “Number One London” due to its prestigious location. This historic home belonged to the famed Duke of Wellington, who lived in the home after the battle of Waterloo. Today, the house is run by English Heritage, and the current Duke of Wellington calls Apsley House home when he is in London.

The house is a museum and an art gallery, with over 200 paintings in the collection. Many of the pieces were bought by the first Duke of Wellington, and there are also many of his belongings on exhibit, such as porcelain, silver, furniture, and sculptures. The art collection alone is impressive, but visitors can also learn about British history as they venture through the house.

The history of Apsley House dates back to the early 18th century, when the land was purchased by the Earl of Bath. The house was then built in the 1770s for Lord Chancellor Baron Apsley, and it was later bought by the Duke of Wellington in 1817. The Duke made significant renovations to the house, including the addition of a large staircase and a grand entrance hall. The house remained in the Wellington family until 1947, when it was given to the nation and became a museum.

Visitors to Apsley House can explore the many rooms of the house, including the grand entrance hall, the dining room, and the music room. The entrance hall is particularly impressive, with its grand staircase and marble columns. The dining room features a large table that can seat up to 28 guests, and it is decorated with silver candelabra and a stunning chandelier. The music room is home to a grand piano and a harp, and it was once used for concerts and other musical performances.

One of the highlights of the collection at Apsley House is the stunning art collection. The collection includes works by many famous artists, such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Goya. Many of the paintings were bought by the first Duke of Wellington, who was a great patron of the arts. One of the most famous paintings in the collection is “The Waterloo Dispatch” by Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington’s brother. The painting depicts the moment when the news of the victory at Waterloo was delivered to the British government.

In addition to the art collection, visitors can also see many of the Duke of Wellington’s personal belongings. These include his military uniforms, his campaign bed, and his field glasses. There are also many pieces of porcelain and silver on display, including a stunning silver-gilt centrepiece that was presented to the Duke of Wellington by the City of London.

When visiting Apsley House, there are a few things to keep in mind. The house is open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. There are audio guides available in several languages, which provide detailed information about the house and its history. Visitors should also be aware that some of the rooms may be closed for conservation work or other reasons.

Overall, Apsley House is a must-see destination for anyone interested in British history and culture. The beautiful house and impressive art collection make for a fascinating visit, and the chance to see the personal belongings of the Duke of Wellington adds an extra layer of interest. Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Apsley House is well worth a visit.