Bits and Bobs: The Duke of Wellington

January 11, 2020: Eddie suggested we visit Apsley House today, and off we went. Neither of us knew anything about the imposing Georgian house situated at busy Hyde Park Corner, but upon entering the late-18th-century-built mansion, we were quickly made aware that this was the home of the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. Duke Wellesley's great fame is that he is the man who is credited with defeating Napoleon at Waterloo, in Belgium, in 1815. As a result of his valour, the Irish-born Duke became a wealthy and beloved celebrity. He was a superstar in his day. At Apsley House, his story is told mainly through his art collection and the many gifts he received from heads of state after the Battle of Waterloo. The Battle of Waterloo is important for a number of reasons. Among them, the Battle marked the end of Napoleon's reign in Europe and it paved the way for the United Kingdom to become a global power. It also put an end to many years of war on the European continent. I found the story of Apsley House and the Duke fascinating. There are reputedly around 100 pubs in the UK named for him. I was glad to learn of this celebrated man. Eddie found the inside of Apsley House "absolutely stunning"! Unfortunately, they would not let us take photos inside the house.

Eddie and I then explored nearby Belgravia, an affluent district in central London. It is a mostly residential area, where one finds homes built in the 1800s around lovely squares (privately-owned community gardens). The neighborhood, however, seemed staid to me. The sidewalks were empty and quiet. We had lunch at The Good Life Eatery on pedestrianized Motcomb Street where we both ordered the "Harvest Hippy Bowl," a dish consisting of lentils, butternut squash, broccoli, candy beetroot, pickled onions and sesame seeds over brown rice with tofu and delicious tahini dressing. We had coffee at Baker & Spice on nearby Elizabeth Street, Belgravia's main commercial street, where I had what may have been the most delicious blueberry muffin I have ever tasted.

Returning to Kensington, we passed Harrod's Department Store, all lit up.