- A silk banner originally used during the Duke of Wellington's state funeral in November 1852.
- A unique piece of British history, framed and glaze to created a beautiful display piece.
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) is one one Britain's greatest military leaders.
His victories against Napoleon, including the decisive Battle of Waterloo in 1815, earned him the status of a national hero.
He also twice served as Prime Minister during his later political career, and when he died in 1852 he was granted a state funeral by Queen Victoria.
The Duke of Wellington's funeral on November 18, 1852 was the largest of its kind in Britain in the 19th century.
An estimated 1.5 million people lines the streets of London to pay their respects.
10,000 soldiers, representing every regiment of the British Army, took part in the parade which stretched back two miles and lasted more than four hours.
When the procession reached St Paul's Cathedral, up to 20,000 people were packed into the galleries to witness the service.
This beautiful hand-embroidered silk banner was carried in the funeral procession.
The design features a Maltese Cross in sombre black silk, with a central design of Wellington's Field Marshall baton surmounted by a coronet.
Above the cross is Wellington's personal crest, featuring a lion emerging from a ducal coronet.
The banner, with its gilt fringe, survives in worn condition but remains remarkably intact after 172 years.
It is framed and glazed in a vintage gold frame from the Rowley Gallery in London, to a size of 30 by 34 inches.
This is a truly superb piece of British history, and a beautiful, unique display piece for any collection.
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