Apsley House in London stands on Hyde Park Corner. It was also known as “Number 1, London” as it was the first house you would come to after entering London from the countryside via the tollgate at Knightsbridge.

The house was designed and built from 1771 to 1778 by Robert Adams and was purchased by the first Duke of Wellington in 1817. He promptly expanded it, adding the 90 foot long Waterloo Gallery to house his ever-growing collection of art.

Many of the paintings were given to the Duke as gifts from admirers, and he acquired a number of works from the Spanish Royal Collection after the Battle of Vitoria in 1813. Several important works by Velasquez are on display, as well as paintings from both the Flemish and Dutch masters and 19th century British painters.

There are many sculptures at Apsley House, most notably an enormous nude sculpture of Napoleon by Canova that graces the centre of the house.

Apsley House saw a great deal of entertaining over the years, as the Duke rose in power and popularity, so did his lavish gatherings. There was one particularly decadent and elaborate celebration held every year to commemorate the Duke’s victory at Waterloo. The immense Waterloo Gallery was the site of this glittering annual banquet, capped by an ornate Portuguese silver centrepiece that was 8 meters long.

The Duke’s vast collection of table service and silver is on display at Apsley House, including a Sevres Egyptian-style service originally commissioned by Napoleon for his Josephine.

The house is now managed by English Heritage and is open to the public, although it is unique in that the current Duke of Wellington and his family still reside on the property.

The 7th Duke of Wellington gave the property to the nation in 1947 and the family retained living quarters there which are still in use today.

Apsley House is open to the public all year round, but it has free admission on Waterloo Day, which is June 18th.

Visiting Apsley House

Apsley House, 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, Belgravia, W1J 7NT

Telephone: 020 7499 5676

Email customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Opening Times

1 April to 1 November: Wednesday to Sunday (& Bank Holidays) 11am-5pm | 2 November to 31 March: Wednesday to Sunday 11am-4pm | Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays), 24 to 26 December & 1 January

Ticket Prices

House: £5.70 (Adults), £4.80 (Concs), £2.90 (Children) | House and Wellington Arch: £7 (Adults), £6 (Concs), £3.50 (Children)

Photo courtesy: amandabhslater

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