Military

One of Britain’s most famous military figures was Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington. Born in Ireland in 1769, he is arguably most famous for leading the victory over Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He went on to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army and Prime Minister of Great Britain. Duke of Wellington nicknames included the ‘Iron Duke’. He died in 1852 at Walmer Castle in Kent. Although Wellington’s victory over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo is famous, the Iron Duke led an extraordinary life, full of many other political and military achievements. Here are ten...

 A little over two centuries years ago in 1820, a set of 40 silver and bronze medals were produced by British sculptor and medallist, James Mudie. Manufactured by E. Thomason, they commemorated British victories over the French in battle between 1797 and 1817. Each medal measured 41mm in diameter and depicted scenes from different British military victories achieved during the reign of George III. James Mudie medals rarely come up for sale, particularly as a full and undamaged set of 40. The collection was originally presented and sold to a list of subscribers in a leather-bound case made to resemble...

  The history of British army medals is rich and fascinating. Medals, ribbons and awards presented for feats of bravery or noteworthy achievements during warfare were a reflection not only of the courage, character and skills of the person being presented with them, but they also demonstrated the power and prestige of the monarch who reigned over the army in question. Other military medals commemorated battles or military events that took place during a longer war with scenes depicted on one side from action on land, at sea or in the air. They were, and still are highly sought-after by...