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Wellington: The Iron Duke Unmasked

Documentaries

Drama: Historical

Factual: History

10/05/2015

BBC Two - Wellington: The Iron Duke Unmasked

A personal portrait of the victor of Waterloo, drawing on his own vast correspondence.

Drama documentary. A personal portrait of the victor of Waterloo, drawing on his own vast correspondence and the letters and memoirs of those who knew him best.

The Duke of Wellington was the most famous Briton of the first half of the 19th century. His victory over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815 altered the course of history. The hero of Waterloo became a towering figure in British history for both his achievements and for embodying our notions of Britishness - the stiff upper lip, unfussy straightforwardness and incorruptibility in office - he was the Iron Duke.

This drama documentary looks behind the iron mask to focus on the intriguing complexities of the Duke of Wellington - his character, personality and relationships, told through his own words and the words of those who knew him best. General, politician, lover, outsider - the programme discovers that the hero of Waterloo was far more complex than his public image.

Drawing on his own vast private correspondence, as well as the diaries and memoirs of those around him, the film uses dramatic reconstruction to create an intimate portrait of the Duke of Wellington.

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