Ireland's Hidden Hands: Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 18, 2026 · 12 MIN

Ireland's Hidden Hands: Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

from The History and Heritage Podcast · host Liam Blake

Arthur Wellesley is remembered as a British icon. In reality, he was Irish-born, Irish-shaped, and surrounded by Irish soldiers at every stage of his life. From his childhood at Dangan Castle in County Meath, through his years in the Irish Parliament, to India, the Peninsula, and finally Waterloo, this episode explores the hidden Irish foundations of the man known as the Duke of Wellington. Along the way: – disputed birthplaces and Irish memory – the violin, the red coat, and self-reinvention – Irish regiments at the heart of Europe’s greatest battles – and the political legacy that still echoes today. Not myth. Not symbolism. Just the real, complicated human story behind one of history’s most misunderstood figures.

Arthur Wellesley is remembered as a British icon.In reality, he was Irish-born, Irish-shaped, and surrounded by Irish soldiers at every stage of his life. From his childhood at Dangan Castle in County Meath, through his years in the Irish Parliament, to India, the Peninsula, and finally Waterloo, this episode explores the hidden Irish foundations of the man known as the Duke of Wellington. Along the way:– disputed birthplaces and Irish memory– the violin, the red coat, and self-reinvention– Irish regiments at the heart of Europe’s greatest battles– and the political legacy that still echoes today. Not myth.Not symbolism.Just the real, complicated human story behind one of history’s most misunderstood figures.

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Ireland's Hidden Hands: Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

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This episode was published on February 18, 2026.

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Arthur Wellesley is remembered as a British icon. In reality, he was Irish-born, Irish-shaped, and surrounded by Irish soldiers at every stage of his life. From his childhood at Dangan Castle in County Meath, through his years in the Irish...

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