Wellesley-Pole: the man who named ‘Wellington’
In previous blog posts I have described how Wellesley-Pole’s orchestrated The Great Recoinage (1817), the Waterloo Medal (1816), and modernised Royal Ascot (1822-1830). But he was also responsible for the ‘birth’ of Wellington: for it was our man Wellesley-Pole who created the iconic title under which Arthur Wellesley’s glories came to pass.
R.I.P. Arthur, long live Wellington!!
The circumstances of Wellington’s creation are revealed in the Raglan MS at Gwent Archives, containing correspondence between Wellesley-Pole and Arthur from 1807-1818. This very important primary source is often used to illustrate Arthur’s unvarnished opinions about the performance of government, progress of the war, and the conduct of his family during these momentous years. Yet the many letters FROM Wellesley-Pole TO Arthur are barely ever cited – despite the fact they contain an equally rich vein of personal insight into the political intrigues of the time. It is quite sad to see Wellesley-Pole so overlooked – especially within his own personal archives.
Historians love to lay into William Wellesley-Pole. They portray him as ‘opportunistic’, ‘not a little devious’; ‘the worst type of hanger-on’; and harshest of all: ‘a nonentity’. Even his obituary is nowadays considered to be one of the most savage ever printed
From an early period of his career it was evident to all … that he was by no means destined to fulfil so prominent a position in public life as his brothers…Journalists and demagogues denounced him as a Minister who not only deserved to be degraded and punished, but as a criminal for whose enormities no amount of penal infliction could be excessive…His spirit quailed before a crisis…at no time in his life did he display Parliamentary talents of a high order…Mr Wellesley-Pole was simply angry- angry at all times with every person and about everything.; his sharp, shrill, loud voice grating on the ear…an undignified ineffective speaker, an indiscreet politician…advancing in years without improving in reputation.
The Times, February 24th 1845
Wellesley-Pole Wellesley-Pole would have been more feted had he not been entirely overshadowed by his illustrious brothers; Richard, Governor General of India (1797-1805); and Arthur, probably Britain’s greatest military leader. Withing his family, far from being a ‘nonentity’ – Wellesley-Pole was actually a very loyal and trustworthy brother, content to stay out of the limelight, & blessed with the one gift that eluded the rest of the Wellesley clan: a long and happy marriage.
Only by reading both sides of the Raglan MS does it becomes clear that, from his position at the heart of government, Wellesley-Pole played a vital supporting role; acting as a kind of ‘remote-secretary’ on Arthur’s behalf. His services ranged from provision of tea and other home comforts, through to supplying a new sword or replacement horses. Crucially Wellesley-Pole relayed the latest news, gathered opinions, and was able to soothe the often fractious relationship between the Cabinet and the Peninsular Army.
Victory at Talavera raised Arthur to the peerage
Following Arthur’s victory at the Battle of Talavera in 1809, the Government asked Wellesley-Pole to find a suitable title for his feted brother. He was reluctant to be saddled with such an important responsibility, but King would not wait, and an immediate decision was required. So Wellesley-Pole took up his pen and wrote to Arthur:
After ransacking the peerage… I at last determined upon Viscount Wellington of Talavera and of Wellington, and Baron Douro of Welleslie in the County of Somerset. Wellington is a town not far from Welleslie, and no person has chosen the title. I trust that you will not think there is anything unpleasant or trifling in the name of Wellington, but [in the] circumstances… I could not easily have done better. I own I feel in rather an embarrassing situation for it is impossible for me to know whether I have acted as you would have had me…but you should have explained to me your wishes before ever you left England, in case of such an event.
In the anxious days awaiting a reply from the Peninsula, Wellesley-Pole’s nerves became somewhat frayed when Arthur’s wife Kitty was reported to have declared
Wellington I do not like for it recalls nothing. However, it is done & I suppose it could not be avoided.
The fact Wellesley-Pole did not consult Kitty says a lot about the role of women in society at that time, for it seems odd that she was only told after the deed was done, and literally had to live with Wellesley-Pole’s decision for the rest of her life.
Eventually and to Wellesley-Pole’s immense relief his choice of title met with unqualified approval from Arthur:
My opinion is that you have done exactly what you ought to have done… You have chosen most fortunately, and I am very much obliged to you. I could not have been better off for a name if we had discussed the subject twenty times
It seems obvious to me that a greater study of Wellesley-Pole’s close relationship with Wellington not only offers a fuller understanding of this great military genius, but could provide Wellesley-Pole much needed relief from his critics: The creation of ‘Wellington’ was not an egotistical act on Wellesley-Pole’s part, for a quick perusal of the relevant letters shows that Wellesley-Pole had no choice but to stand proxy, and that his motives were honourable as he tried to balance the needs of government with the wishes of his beloved brother.
Another great example of Wellington and Wellesley-Pole in concert can be found in the production of the Waterloo Medal but things were no quite so rosy when Wicked William joined Arthur’s Peninsular Army An equally tough role for Wellington was his choice of favourite niece from Wellesley-Pole’s three graces.
If you live in London, why not visit Apsley House and see the Duke of Wellington’s home