From the moment he secured victory at the battle of Waterloo in June 1815, the legendary status of Arthur Wellesley, better known as the Duke of Wellington, was assured. But his marriage to Catherine Pakenham was less triumphant.
![Temporarily used for contact details: The Engine House, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2EH, United Kingdom, Tel: 01793 414600, Email: archive@english-heritage.org.uk, Website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk Duke of Wellington 2022 exhibition](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/42/2021/11/1st-Duke-of-Wellington-Sir-Thomas-Lawrence-1818-%25C2%25A9-Wellington-Collection-Apsley-House-5f80667.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
The couple neither saw nor spoke to each other during his time overseas and it soon became apparent they were ill matched.
A new exhibition opening in spring 2022 at Apsley House, Wellington’s London home, will explore the complex relationships he formed with other women after his marriage collapsed.
![1st Duchess of Wellington, Sir Thomas Lawrence © Stratfield Saye Preservation Trust Duke of Wellington exhibition 2022](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/42/2021/11/1st-Duchess-of-Wellington-Sir-Thomas-Lawrence-%25C2%25A9-Stratfield-Saye-Preservation-Trust-cda5a11.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
Through letters, paintings, miniatures, drawings and previously unseen or published letters, ‘Wellington, Women and Friendship’, which will run from 1st April until 30th October, will give a glimpse into Wellington’s social circle, his marriage and the world of celebrity gossip.