Wellington the Beau: The life and loves of the Duke of Wellington

Few people know that Wellington, the 'Iron Duke', as well as being an outstanding general, was also a great lover, who pursued the opposite sex with passion, vigour, but also dignity. His unassuming wife Kitty could not compete with Harriette Wilson, the intriguing courtesan; nor with the beautiful Italian singer La Grassini; nor with Princess Lieven, the notorious Russian spy.

Patrick Delaforce has unearthed a cornucopia of true, fascinating stories about a score of ladies, who one way or another loved the Iron Duke. One of his nicknames, 'The Beau', referred not only to his sartorial taste but also to his considerable graceful charm. He was a favourite of Queen Victoria, who would call 'Send for the Duke!' whenever she had a problem.

This story has an extraordinary ending. The Duke was actually 'seen to be ill with love' for the beautiful Mary Anne Patterson from Baltimore, and she with him. However, as a distinguished widower, society decreed that Wellington could not marry Mary Anne, a divorcée, so instead she married the Duke's brother, Richard Wellesley, a notable roué, and lived unhappily ever after.

'In this unique and entertaining book military historian Patrick Delaforce turns from the battlefield to the boudoir to document Wellington's many victories as a bedroom warrior.'

Naval & Military Press