Apsley House was originally finished in 1778 for Lord Apsley, the Lord Chancellor, who gave the house its name. In 1807 the house was purchased by Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley, the elder brother of Sir Arthur Wellesley, but in 1817 financial difficulties forced him to sell it to his famous brother, by then the Duke of Wellington, who needed a London base from which to pursue his new career in politics. It was known as 'Number 1 London' as it was the first house passed beyond the Knightsbridge toll booths, which marked the extent of London at the time. It still remains the home of Wellington's descendents.

The original red brickworkof Apsley House was faced with Bath stone, which survives to the present. Inside you can view many aspects of the first duke's life, and most significantly, view his rare and priceless collection of paintings. Works by Velazquez, Rubens, Van Dyck and Goya (many of which were gifts from the King of Spain) hang throughout the first floor. Also on show are Wellington's extensive collections of porcelain, silver, sculpture and furniture, displayed within the stunningly preserved interiors of the mansion.

Although when built it was on the fringe of London, Apsley House is presently in the middle of town, next to an especially busy road junction where Park Lane meets Piccadilly. There a various underpasses to get you below the traffic (don't try to dodge the cars, as they won't stop). If you approach from Piccadilly, you can navigate using the statue of Boudicca above Wellington Arch (left), which is nearby and can be seen from some distance.

 

Open: Wed-Sun 11-5pm (4pm Winter months)
Admission: Adult: £5.70, Child £2.90.


149 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7NT.

Hyde Park Corner Tube.

Call: 020 7499 5676

 

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