Mary Allen
Introduction: Wellington’s Famous Horse
When it comes to military history, few names are as revered as the Duke of Wellington. The British general, who famously defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, is known for his strategic brilliance and unwavering leadership. But alongside Wellington’s accomplishments, there is another name that is often mentioned in the same breath: his horse. This magnificent animal, which served the Duke throughout his military career, has a storied history that is both fascinating and complex.
A Horse with Many Names
Wellington’s horse was a chestnut stallion, known for its beauty, speed, and strength. Over the course of its life, the horse was given several different names, each of which reflected a particular moment or event in the Duke’s career. From Copenhagen to Duke of Wellington, the horse’s many monikers offer a glimpse into the life and times of one of the greatest military leaders of all time.
The First Name: Copenhagen
The first name given to Wellington’s horse was Copenhagen, which the Duke acquired in 1808 during the Peninsular War. The horse was named after the city in which it was purchased, and quickly became Wellington’s favorite mount. Copenhagen accompanied the Duke throughout the remainder of the Peninsular War, and was famously ridden by Wellington during the Battle of Waterloo.
The Second Name: Marengo
Following the Peninsular War, Wellington’s horse was given a new name: Marengo. This name was chosen in honor of Napoleon’s famous victory at the Battle of Marengo, which Wellington hoped to avenge. However, the name was not particularly popular, and the horse was soon renamed.
The Third Name: Trafalgar
In 1815, Wellington’s horse was given a new name: Trafalgar. This name was chosen to commemorate the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, which had taken place ten years earlier. However, the name did not stick, and the horse was once again renamed.
The Fourth Name: Victory
The fourth name given to Wellington’s horse was Victory, in honor of the Duke’s own victory at the Battle of Waterloo. This name was particularly fitting, as the horse had played a key role in the battle, carrying Wellington himself throughout the conflict. Victory remained the horse’s name for several years, until it was once again changed.
The Fifth Name: Copenhagen II
Wellington’s horse was given its fifth name, Copenhagen II, in honor of its original name. This name was used primarily by the public and the press, rather than by the Duke himself.
The Sixth Name: Duke of Wellington
In 1836, Wellington’s horse was given a new name: Duke of Wellington. This name was chosen to honor the Duke himself, who had retired from military service the previous year. The horse continued to serve the Duke until its death in 1853.
The Seventh Name: Wellington
Following the death of the Duke of Wellington’s horse, a statue was erected in its honor. The statue, which stands in Aldershot, was inscribed with the horse’s final name: Wellington. This name has endured to this day, and the horse remains an iconic symbol of military history.
The Enduring Legacy of Wellington’s Horse
Wellington’s horse played a key role in the Duke’s military career, serving as his loyal companion and trusted mount throughout several wars and battles. Today, the horse’s legacy lives on, both as a symbol of the Duke’s leadership and as a reminder of the important role played by animals in military history.
Conclusion: An Iconic Symbol of Military History
The story of Wellington’s horse is a fascinating one, reflecting the complex and often tumultuous nature of military life. From its many names to its enduring legacy, the horse remains an important figure in the history of the British military, and a testament to the bravery and loyalty of animals in times of conflict.
References and Further Reading
- "Wellington’s Horse: The Story of Copenhagen, Marengo, Trafalgar, Victory, Copenhagen II, Duke of Wellington, and Wellington," by William Wright.
- "The Duke of Wellington’s Horse," by John H. Plumb.