APSLEY HOUSE NO.1 LONDON
THE LONDON PALACE OF THE 1ST DUKE OF WELLINGTON
Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington, is one of the capital’s finest residences. Famously known as ‘No.1 London’, its sumptuous interiors house the Duke’s outstanding collection of paintings, porcelain, silver, sculpture, furniture, medals and memorabilia.
Fit for a Duke
Apsley House was designed and built by Robert Adam 1771-78. Here the Duke made his London home after a dazzling military career in India, Portugal and Spain, culminating in his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. Wellington enlarged the house, adding on the spectacular 90ft long Waterloo Gallery, and enriched it with his magnificent art collection. It has been the London home of the Dukes of Wellington ever since.
The seventh Duke gave the house and contents to the Nation in 1947, with apartments retained for the family. Responsibility for the public areas was given to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The buildings and interiors were restored 1992-5 to their magnificent appearance in the first Dukeís day.