William Webb (1780-1846)

The Duke of Wellington's favourite charger was named in honour of the siege of Copenhagen. He came into the possession of the Duke of Wellington on campaign in Spain, having been acquired from Charles William Stewart, later 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1778-1854; see introduction to lot 428). Copenhagen was a superb battle horse. Unflinching amidst gunfire he repeatedly exhibited great stamina and fortitude. The Duke said of him: 'There may have been many faster horses, no doubt many handsomer, but for bottom and endurance I never saw his fellow' (quoted in Wellington His Comrades His Contemporaries, by Major A. Griffiths, London, 1897, p. 182). When the great horse died in 1836, at the remarkable age of 29, he was given a funeral with full military honours. He was buried under the turkey oak in the Ice House Paddock at Stratfield Saye. As a mark of respect the second Duke erected a stone marker on the grave where it remains to this day.