The Great Duke’s Funeral
A detailed account of the pageantry, expense and spectacle of the First Duke of Wellington's public funeral.
On September 14, 1852, Arthur, first Duke of Wellington, died at Walmer Castle. On the previous day he had been perfectly well, but when his servant entered his room to call him at an early hour on September 14, the Duke said to him “I am not well: send for the apothecary.” The Duke’s second son, Lord Charles Wellesley, and his wife were staying at Walmer at the time, and late on the afternoon of the 14th Lady Charles wrote to Lady Salisbury, one of the most intimate friends of the Duke in old age, the following account of her father-in-law’s last hours:
The poor Duke seemed yesterday as well as usual; this morning he was seized with violent sickness, and soon after with fits and lost consciousness. At intervals there appeared to be a slight amendment, but for a few moments only and alas! he gradually sank until at ½ past 3 all was over.
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