( born Arthur Wellesley 1769–1852)
an English soldier and politician, sometimes called the Iron Duke. He was made a duke in 1814 as a reward for his victories against the French general Napoleon in the Peninsular War . The next year Wellington’s army, with the Prussians, completely defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo . The Duke then began an active political career and in 1828 became leader of the Tories and Prime Minister of Britain. He made a lot of enemies in only two years. First he supported the Emancipation Act , giving Roman Catholics the right to vote. This was unpopular in his own party. Then he opposed the Reform Act , which was popular in the country. In 1830 he was forced to resign, although he returned to the government in 1834. He is buried in St Paul’s Cathedral , beside Nelson .
See also Apsley House .