English Heritage

1817Duke of Wellington

Richard's younger brother, Battle of Waterloo hero the Duke of Wellington, anonymously buys Apsley House to resolve his brother's financial woes.

1820First Renovations

Wellington employs architect Benjamin Wyatt to design the State Dining Room. He holds his magnificent annual Waterloo Banquet here every 18 June until the Waterloo Gallery takes over.

1828Prime Minister

The Duke becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

1830An Expensive Bill

When Wyatt presents the Duke with a massive construction bill for £64,000, nearly three times his original estimate, the Duke calls a halt to alterations.

1830sWaterloo Gallery

Major works at Apsley continue, including the stunning Waterloo Gallery, hung with paintings captured from the Spanish Royal Collection and donated by grateful tsars and kings.

Read a description of Apsley House

1852Death of Wellington

The Duke dies at Walmer Castle, Kent.

1853Open to the Public

Wellington's son and heir, the 2nd Duke, opens a 'Museum Room' to the public, displaying his father's gifts and trophies.

1943Gift to the Nation

After the 6th Duke dies from battle wounds, the 7th Duke offers Apsley House to the nation, together with much of the 1st Duke's important art collection.

See highlights from the collection at Apsley House

1952Centenary Opening

The Ministry of Works opens Apsley to the public for the centenary of Wellington's death.

1957-62Apsley Marooned

The 'Hyde Park Improvement Scheme' diverts Park Lane, cutting Apsley House off from the rest of Piccadilly.

2004Apsley House Today

English Heritage takes over custodial responsibility. It cares for over 3,000 collection items given to the Duke by famous international leaders.

Learn more about the history of Apsley House