Equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, Grade II listed bronze sculpture in Aldershot, England
The equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington is a bronze monument in Aldershot showing the military leader mounted on a horse supported by thick metal legs. The entire composition presents a powerful image and is a typical example of 19th-century monumental sculpture.
The work was created in 1846 by Matthew Cotes Wyatt and originally stood at Wellington Arch in London before being relocated to Aldershot in 1885. This relocation was part of Aldershot's development as a military center.
The horse in this work was not Wellington's own mount, as that animal had long since passed away, so a different horse stood in for the modeling sessions. This detail reminds visitors that even monuments to great figures rely on practical compromises and substitutions.
The monument is accessible from a car park at its base, but reaching it requires climbing steep steps over rough ground. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.
The bronze was cast from French cannons captured during the Battle of Waterloo, giving the monument a direct connection to British military history. This material choice adds a historical layer beyond its figurative meaning.
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