Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Politics > Arthur Wellesley
Campaign cloak belonged to Duke of Wellington
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Campaign cloak belonged to Duke of Wellington
Campaign cloak; 1803 (c)-1815 (c). Belonged to FM Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. Believed to have been worn by the Duke during the Waterloo campaign, but it is not certain this was the one worn at the actual battle, as he probably had several on campaign. The cloak is formed from a single curved panel of navy worsted with violet velvet collar and facings. There is a small velvet button and green cord loop to fasten the collar in foul weather. The main closure has plain gilt buttons by R Bushby of St Martins Lane, London. There are stitched remains of ribbon ties at the neck and residue of mud spatters, together with possible perspiration stains. Wellington gave the cloak to his lover Lady Caroline Lamb after the battle. Written diaries from the period show Lamb gave it later to Sir Anthony Carlisle and he then presented it to Grosvenor Charles Bedford on 14 May 1823. The cloak remained in the Bedford family until its sale on 14 Jul 2015. The cloak also matches both contemporary descriptions of Wellingtons garb on campaign and later portraits of him at Waterloo, some with slight discrepancies. Date: circa 1815
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14404036
© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library
1803 1815 Actual Arthur Believed Belonged Campaign Cloak Curved Formed Waterloo Wellesley Wellington Worn
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> National Army Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Arthur Wellesley
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Hither Green
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Waterloo
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Weather
> Historic
> Battles
> Battle of Waterloo
> Duke of Wellington
> Popular Themes
> Battle of Waterloo
> Services
> Royal Navy
EDITORS COMMENTS
This historic campaign cloak, believed to have belonged to the legendary British military leader, the 1st Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, dates back to the early 19th century. The single curved panel of navy worsted fabric, adorned with a violet velvet collar and facings, was likely worn by the Duke during his famous campaigns, most notably during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. However, it is not definitively known if this was the exact cloak worn at the battle, as the Duke is documented to have had several on campaign. The cloak features a small velvet button and green cord loop to secure the collar during inclement weather. The main closure is fastened with plain gilt buttons, made by R Bushby of St Martins Lane, London. The cloak exhibits stitched remains of ribbon ties at the neck and residue of mud spatters, along with possible perspiration stains, adding to its authenticity and historical significance. After the Battle of Waterloo, the Duke is said to have given the cloak as a gift to his lover, Lady Caroline Lamb. Subsequently, Lady Lamb presented it to Sir Anthony Carlisle, who later bestowed it upon Grosvenor Charles Bedford on 14 May 1823. The cloak remained in the Bedford family until it was sold on 14 July 2015. The cloak's design aligns with contemporary descriptions of Wellington's attire during his campaigns and later portraits of him at Waterloo, with some slight discrepancies. This campaign cloak is an invaluable piece of military history, providing a tangible link to one of the most influential figures in British military history.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
