1-158-771 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, c1803. Wellington (1769-1852), Anglo-Irish soldier and stateman, during his service in India, where he became Governor of Mysore, 1799-1805. He was rewarded with a knighthood on his return to England in 1805. In 1808 he was sent to aid the Portugese against the French, and became chief of command in the Peninsula campaign. His military career culminated in his defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, 18 June 1815.