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Invention of the Wellington Boot

The Duke of Wellington is often attributed with the invention of the Wellington boot. The Duke of Wellington - who's civilian name was Arthur Wellesley commissioned a local shoe-maker in London to design a new boot to be worn in battle by the British troops fighting Napoleon.

If you have some spare time then visit Apsley House located in at 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London - W1J 7NT. Here you will find rare collectible antiques from the Waterloo battles and historic photos and items, including Wellington's boots (Photo) - a must see!

Hoby of St. James's

The 1st Duke of Wellington asked Hoby of St. James's Street - a renowned shoe-maker in early 18th-century London to design a new boot for his army. The new boot was fabricated in soft calfskin leather not rubber as this had not been invented yet. The design was based on the popular boot design of the time - the Hessian Boot. The main changes in the design of boot had the trim and tassels removed and fitted more closely around the leg. Ref: Wikipedia.

See our historical time-line of the Wellington boot.

The Humble Welly

If it wasn't for 1st Duke of Wellington (Arthur Wellesley) - and his choice of boot design - many things in the world would almost certainly be different - your rain boots might even be called Napoleon Boots for example. The continent of Australia might be called New France and instead of Beef Wellington, you might be having Beef Waterloo at the pub.

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 here.

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.

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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

• Duke of Wellington Pubs in London - google maps
• Duke of Wellington (Born 1769 - Died 1852) - BBC History
• Wellington, Somerset
• English Wiki on Arthur Wellesley
• Arthur Wellesley important historical facts and trivia - on Schoolnet.co.uk
• Inventor of the Wellington Boots shoe cut - Arthur Wellesley (German to English translation)
• 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

Related links

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