Definition of the Duke of Wellington from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary


the Duke of Wellington

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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