The Field Marshal
Forged in partnership with the Royal Armouries, Wilde & Harte present a distinguished Apsley razor collection inspired by the great commander Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
Undoubtedly one of Britain’s most important figures, during his career he served as Field Marshal of the British Army, Master-General of the Ordnance, as well as twice British Prime Minister.
'Field Marshal' Collection
'Field Marshal' Apsley Fusion Razor
'Field Marshal' Apsley Stainless Steel Safety Razor
'Field Marshal' Apsley Mach3 Razor
Wellington the statesman
From 1819 – 27, Arthur Wellesley 1st Duke of Wellington was Master-General of the Ordnance, a very senior British military position responsible for all British artillery, engineers, fortifications, military supplies, transport and much more.
During this time, Wellington would have had oversight of arms, armour and artillery at the Tower of London, including those that now form part of the Royal Armouries museum collection.
The Duke at the Tower
In 1826, King George IV appointed Wellington Constable of the Tower of London, one of the oldest royal offices in England, dating back to the Norman Conquest in the late 11th century.
Under his tenure the moat was drained and converted into a parade ground, the animals in the menagerie were transferred to what is now London Zoo and the Yeomen Warders were professionalised and no longer permitted to buy and sell their commissions. Instead, Yeoman Warders were recruited from ex-servicemen with long service and a record of good conduct.
The Royal Armouries collection holds several objects relating to the Duke of Wellington and there is a display devoted to him in the White Tower.
Most notably there is a uniform coat worn by the Duke when Constable of the Tower as well as a pair of carved wooden eagles used to decorate the Duke’s hearse at his funeral. They are replicas of French Imperial eagle standards captured by British forces at the battles of Salamanca in 1812 and Waterloo in 1815.
