The Duke of Wellington at Bank, London

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The equestrian statue of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, stands proudly at the Royal Exchange in London, showcasing a British soldier and statesman who played a pivotal role in shaping the city's history. Located at the heart of Bank junction within the historic City of London, this outdoor sculpture commands attention with its grandeur. The talented sculptor behind this masterpiece is Francis Leggatt Chantrey, whose artistic vision brought Wellington to life in an iconic form. Wellington himself recalled a conversation with Chantrey, where he mentioned having a square head, during a sitting for a portrait by Charles Robert Leslie. However, fate had other plans, and Chantrey's sudden passing left the sculpture unfinished. Enter Henry Weekes, Chantrey's studio assistant, who skillfully completed the equestrian statue as a testament to his mentor's legacy. On June 18, 1844, Wellington attended the unveiling of his own statue, an event carefully chosen to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, where he led an allied army to victory against Napoleon in 1815. The King of Saxony, Frederick Augustus II, also joined the celebration, taking a moment to pay respects to the legendary leader during his visit to London and Queen Victoria. The equestrian statue stands as a symbol of gratitude from the City towards Wellington for his instrumental role in passing the London Bridge Approaches Act 1827. This landmark legislation paved the way for the creation of King William Street, forever changing the city's landscape.