Olympic eventer to use Wellington’s stirrups in Waterloo re-enactment
OLYMPIC eventer Ian Stark will wear a pair of stirrups used by the Duke of Wellington in the Battle of Waterloo during a special re-enactment to mark the 200th anniversary of Napolean’s defeat.
The stirrups, which are owned by a private collector, have not been worn since the Duke of Wellington used them on his horse Copenhagen in his victory over the French army on June 18, 1815.
The historic artefacts will come back into use during an anniversary event to be held at the Waterloo monument at Penielheugh near Jedburgh on June 28, when Scot Stark will play the part of the Duke of Wellington. Horses and soldiers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, whose predecessor regiment the Scots Greys played a pivotal role at Waterloo, will also take part.
The current Duke and Duchess of Wellington, along with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, are expected to attend the event, organised by Lothian Estates and local residents.
Michael Kerr, 13th Marquis of Lothian, said: “We’re extremely grateful to have been given permission to use these precious, historic objects as part of our re-enactment.”
The stirrups were passed on to their current owner by an ancestor who was one of the Duke of Wellington’s valets. After the re-enactment the stirrups, along with an armband belonging to the Duke, will be given to the current Duke of Wellington to be donated to a museum.