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The origin of the Waterloo Ceremony dates back to the early 19th
century. In 1815, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington,
led the British army into battle against a formidable enemy –
the French. The armies met at Waterloo, where Napoleon was
defeated, bringing an end to nearly 23 years of war in Europe. The
Duke of Wellington returned to England, victorious.
Returning to an extremely grateful nation in 1817, the nation
bought Stratfield Saye House in Hampshire in order to give it to
The Duke of Wellington. The Duke’s original plans were to tear down
the house and build a magnificent Waterloo Palace in its place, but
when this turned out to be too expensive, he took up residence in
Stratfield Saye House itself. The house has served as the home of
all the subsequent Dukes of Wellington, and all but the
1st and 6th Dukes are buried on the estate.
The current Duke is Arthur Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of
Wellington. Every year, His Grace travels to Windsor Castle to pay
the rent on Stratfield Saye House. However, this rent is purely
symbolic, and no money actually changes hands. Instead, the Duke of
Wellington presents The Queen with a French tricolour, to signify
the victory over the French at Waterloo. The flag is made of silk,
with gold embroidery, and a new one is made each year. The year in
which it was used in the ceremony is printed on the corner of the
flag in gold lettering.
When The Duke of Wellington comes in Her Majesty’s presence, he
kneels before her and offers her the tricolour. She accepts his
rent, upon which the flag is handed over to the Castle
Superintendent , who takes it to the Guard Chamber.
A marble bust of the 1st Duke of Wellington stands on a pedestal in
this chamber, and the French tricolour is hung over it.
The Duke of Wellington retires to his home for another year, his
rent paid.
photo credit: rich.tee via photopin cc]]>
It wasn’t an “English” Army – for a start over 1/3 of it was Scottish, Irish and Welsh. Plus the British only accounted for 1/3 of the soldiers commanded by Wellington – the rest were Dutch, Belgian and German.
Whatever kind of mob it was, it was OUR MOB! 🙂
True! And I see it’s been changed now, good job 🙂