Arthur Wellesley, 4th Duke of Wellington - Later Life and Career

Later Life and Career

Throughout his career Wellesley saw no combat action: his duties were largely ceremonial as part of the Household Guard. He received the rank Captain in his regiment and Lieutenant-Colonel in the British Army on 5 April 1879. Wellesley received the rank of Major in his regiment and Colonel in the British Army on 1 August 1887.

On 8 June 1900 his childless brother Henry died. Wellesley succeeded to all of his brother's titles: Duke of Wellington, Prince of Waterloo, Duke of Ciudad Rodrigo, and Duke of Victoria. He also inherited the London town-house, Apsley House, and the sprawling family estates of Stratfield Saye House, with over 19,000 acres (7,700 ha) of land granted to the first duke by parliamentary purchase for military services. The estate also included four so-called livings; Wellesley had the duty, right, and obligation to fill positions in local parishes.

From 1900 until 1934 Wellesley was a member of the House of Lords on the Conservative bench. He was also a member of the Marlborough Club, a gentleman's club.

He was invested as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order on 2 May 1902 and a Knight of the Order of the Garter on 8 August 1902. Both of these awards were awarded to him by King Edward VII. He was also awarded the Spanish decoration of the Grand Cross of Charles III, and the Portuguese decoration of the Grand Cross of the Tower and Sword. The Duchess died on 24 June 1927 at Apsley House and was interred on 28 June at Stratfield Saye. Wellesley died at Ewhurst Park, Basingstoke, Hampshire, and was buried three days later at Stratfield Saye House, Basingstoke, Hampshire, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Wellington. His son, Arthur, succeeded him to the Wellesley family estates and titles.