Apsley House

Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington, is one of the capital's finest residences. Also known as 'Number One London', because it was the first house encountered past the toll-gate into London from the countryside. Its sumptuous interiors house the Duke's outstanding collection of paintings, silver, porcelain, sculpture, furniture, orders, medals and memorabilia. From 1992-1995 Apsley House was restored to its former glory as the private palace of the 'Iron Duke'. Apsley House is the last great London town-house with collections largely intact and family still in residence.

The London Palace of The Duke of Wellington

Wellington's military success brought him impressive gifts from grateful kings and emperors. Many of the paintings originally came from the Spanish Royal Collection, including the celebrated Waterseller of Seville, one of four works by Velazquez. In addition to the 17th century Spanish pictures, there are many by the Dutch and Flemish masters and the 19th century British school. The collection includes important works by Goya, Rubens, Correggio, Brueghel, Steen, de Hooch, Wilkie and Lawrence. Dominating the ornate staircase is Canova's colossal nude statue of Napoleon, which, as the subject commented at the time, is, 'rather too athletic'.

The house was used for entertaining on a grand scale, and Wellington's great dinner and dessert services are on display. The Sèvres Egyptian Service was commissioned by Napoleon for his Empress Josephine. The vast silver Portuguese Service, with an 8 metre long centrepiece, adorned the table at the annual Waterloo Banquet, a great event at which the Duke entertained officers who had served under him at Waterloo and in the Peninsular War.

Education at Apsley House

Limited access for the disabled.