Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine

Boots and Wars

Boots reflect social standing in the army, and one of the most important tasks a solider has to perform, is to polish his boots. It will not surprise you then - that Wellington Boots were designed, by the very smart British nobleman - Arthur Wellesley (1769 - 1852) - for the precise need to elevate his troops status in battle - fighting Napoleon.

Compare the scruffy looking (yet functional) knee high riding boots worn by Napoleon (on right) - Napoleon style boots (see picture of Napoleon sitting) and the Duke of Wellington's worn below.

Transition to rubber wellies

The transition from leather to rubber occurred in 1852 when Hiram Hutchinson was granted manufacturing rights by Charles Goodyear to create Wellington Boots in rubber using Goodyear's vulcanisation process. Hutchinson formed the Aigle company in France to manufacture the first rubber wellies.

Duke of Wellington riding horse wearing Wellington Boots

The Duke of Wellington's riding his horse and displaying Wellington Boots. (Poster available from AllPosters.co.uk - click image)

Duke of Wellington standing showing Wellington Boots

Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852) Duke of Wellington after an Original by Sir Thomas Lawrence standing showing Wellington boots. Buy this poster of Arthur Wellesley from Amazon.

Modern Wellington Boots

Tall knee, Reinforced

Short knee, Steel Toe

Modern Neoprene Wellington Boot

A Short History of the Wellington Boot (Book) New

The Wellington boot has been at the epicentre of global affairs ever since its invention in 1817, when the Duke of Wellington, freshly back from beating Napoleon, found his old boots most uncomfortable when worn with new-fangled trousers. He instructed his shoemaker to make a simple modification - and the rest is history. The history of the Wellington Boot, told here for the first time, is also the history of the world. It is an epic tale, encompassing the rise and fall of empires, corporate piracy, fetish wear, transatlantic rivalry, and such iconic figures as Christopher Columbus, Beau Brummel, Princess Diana and Kate Moss ... Entertaining and eccentric history-cum-humour for the Christmas market.

Details >>>

The Duke of Wellington

Praised by Queen Victoria as the ‘greatest man this country has ever produced,’ the Duke of Wellington possessed an unmatched career in Britain as a soldier, politician, and statesman. He was honoured by his countrymen who saw him as "the highest incarnation of English character".

Portrait

The Duke Of Wellington (1769-1852) 1814 stretched canvas art print by Thomas Phillips

Wellington in Battle

The Duke Of Wellington (1769-1852) 1815 stretched canvas art print by Robert Alexander Hillingford

Statue of the Duke of Wellington

The Duke of Wellington's victories are celebrated to this day by the large monument on Hyde Park Corner, on London, England, United Kingdom. (Poster available from AllPosters.co.uk - click image)

External Links

• Wellington, Somerset
• Hiram Hutchinson
• English Wiki on Arthur Wellesley
• Arthur Wellesley important historical facts and trivia
• Inventor of the Wellington Boots shoe cut - Arthur Wellesley (German to English translation)
• Wellington Monument - Monument to Arthur Wellesley
• The Battle of Waterloo
• National Public Radio audio of remaking of the battle of Waterloo
• When was the Duke of Wellington born? Born 1 May 1769 - Died 14 Sept 1852
• Wellies the height of fashion at Henley regatta - article in the daily mail about Wellies
• Duke of Wellington Posters

Refine your search

Refine your search for over 5000 products including: Wellington boots, clothes, coat stands, children's furniture, and toys. Try our new improved search with highlighted keywords! Click a keyword below or type your own.

funky mannequin  london design ideas  childrens clothes  designer wellington boots  metal coat stand  clothes stand  retail mannequin  wooden clothes stand  wellington boot stand  window display manikin  kids boots uk  designer shops  wellie boots  furniture design books  shop mannikin  dress form  plain wellington boots

Related links

History Magazines

BBC History Magazine: Britain's best-selling monthly magazine. BBC History Magazine is rich and resonant, entertaining and informative. In each issue leading historians offer fresh insights into every era from the archaeology of the ancient world to the background to today's current affairs.

History TODAY Magazine: Follow an essential signpost to the present from the past with History TODAY Magazine, the magazine that spans the ages. Every issue is a visual and literary feast of well-written features, absorbing analysis and fascinating images. Packed with intelligent writing, History TODAY Magazine never prejudges an issue.