Gerald Wellesley, 7th Duke of Wellington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Wellington
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| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| In office 16 September 1943 – 4 January 1972 Hereditary Peerage |
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| Preceded by | The 6th Duke of Wellington |
| Succeeded by | The 8th Duke of Wellington |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 August 1885 |
| Died | 4 January 1972 (aged 86) |
| Spouse | Dorothy Violet Ashton |
| Children | Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington Lady Elizabeth Clyde |
| Parents | Arthur Wellesley, 4th Duke of Wellington Kathleen Bulkeley Williams |
Gerald Wellesley, 7th Duke of Wellington (born 21 August 1885 – died 4 January 1972), was an important figure in British history. He was known for his work as a diplomat, a soldier, and an architect. Before he became the Duke of Wellington in 1943, he was known as Lord Gerald Wellesley.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Gerald Wellesley was born on 21 August 1885. He was the third son of Arthur Wellesley, 4th Duke of Wellington, and Kathleen Bulkeley Williams. He was baptised in Dublin, Ireland, on 27 September 1885. For his education, he attended Eton College, a famous school in England.
A Career in Public Service
Gerald Wellesley began his career as a diplomat in 1908. He worked for the government, helping to manage relationships with other countries. He served as a Third Secretary from 1910 to 1917 and then as a Second Secretary from 1917 to 1919.
He also had a strong interest in architecture and art. In 1921, he became a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects. This means he was recognized as an expert in architecture. Later, in 1935, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. From 1936 to 1943, he was the Surveyor of the King's Works of Art. In this role, he helped look after the King's art collection.
Military Service
In 1939, Gerald Wellesley joined the Grenadier Guards and became a Lieutenant-Colonel. He served in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945. His skills as a diplomat were very helpful in working with the Allied forces during the war.
Becoming the Duke of Wellington
In 1943, Gerald Wellesley became the 7th Duke of Wellington. This happened after his nephew, Henry Wellesley, 6th Duke of Wellington, passed away. He also inherited other important titles, like Earl of Mornington and Prince of Waterloo.
He took on more public roles after becoming Duke. He served as Lord Lieutenant of the County of London from 1944 to 1949. Then, he was the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire from 1949 to 1960. In 1951, he was honored with the title of a Knight of the Garter. This is one of the highest honors in Britain.
Architecture Projects
Gerald Wellesley was a talented architect. He worked on several important building projects.
- He helped redesign 5 Belgrave Square in London. This was the home of Henry Channon, a member of Parliament.
- He also worked on Channon's country house, Kelvedon Hall in Essex.
- Working with another architect named Trenwith Wills, he remodeled several other grand houses. These included Castle Hill, Filleigh in Devon, Hinton Ampner in Hampshire, and Biddick Hall in County Durham.
- He also worked on St Mary and St George Church, High Wycombe in High Wycombe.
- Wellesley designed the unique Faringdon Folly tower for Lord Berners.
- In 1935, he built Portland House in Weymouth.
Books Written by Gerald Wellesley
Gerald Wellesley was also an author. He wrote several books:
- The Iconography of the First Duke of Wellington (published in 1935)
- The Diary of a Desert Journey (published in 1938)
- The Journal of Mrs. Arbuthnot (published in 1950)
- A Selection from the Private Correspondence of the First Duke of Wellington (published in 1952)
Wellington Museum
In 1947, the Duke made a very important gift to the nation. He gave Apsley House, his family home in London, and its valuable contents to the public. This collection is known as the Wellington Collection. This act created the Wellington Museum, allowing people to visit and see the historical items. The Duke and his family kept the right to live in a part of the house.
Family Life
Gerald Wellesley married Dorothy Violet Ashton on 30 April 1914. Dorothy came from a wealthy family who owned cotton mills. Her mother later became the Countess of Scarbrough.
Gerald and Dorothy had two children:
- Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington (born 2 July 1915 – died 31 December 2014)
- Lady Elizabeth Wellesley (born 26 December 1918 – died 25 November 2013). Lady Elizabeth was the mother of the actor and musician Jeremy Clyde.
Gerald Wellesley passed away in early 1972. His only son, Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington, inherited his titles and estates.
