Apsley House; The Wellington Arch; A replica of the head of the charioteer atop the Wellington arch gives an idea of the scale; the Marble Arch in the background was commissioned as the entrance to Buckingham Palace but had to be moved because the grandest carriages wouldn't fit.
We spent the day with the Duke of Wellington--the one who beat Napoleon as well as his descendant, the current 8th duke. Our destination was one of London's most prestigious addresses, Apsley House, which was built by the general known as the Iron Duke who was the toast of Europe and the prime minister of England 200 years ago. The house today is half residence for the current ducal family and half public museum. It is notable both for its Wellington memorabilia as well as for its fantastic art collection, much of which was once part of the royal Spanish art collection until Napoleon's brother stole it. Wellington recaputured it and offered to return it to the Spanish king, but he was so grateful to get his throne back that he gave the amazing collection to the general that saved his kingdom. After touring the mansion, we took a look at the massive Wellington Arch outside, with its enormous bronzes on the top and then we strolled up Hyde Park to examine its companion, Marble Arch, located at the opposite end of the park. Along the way, we discussed important English things like the game of cricket (Why would anyone play a game that sometimes last multiple days and results in no score, we wondered?) and the importance of "being seen" in the past in a daily horse or carriage ride through Hyde Park. It was a delightful way to spend a spring afternoon.
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