Hello friends of the Key Room!
It has been a few days since our last post but today’s
should make up for our absence. The key for today belonged to the famous first Duke
of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. The Duke is famous for his role in the Napoleonic
Wars. This key, which was to his soap box, was carried with him through his
most famous military achievement: the Battle of Waterloo. It was during this
battle, in 1815, that the Duke of Wellington shared in the victory of Napoleon.
Later in life, the Duke became the prime minister of Britain
and was praised for his honest character and as an uncorrupt politician. We were
fortunate enough to be given this key by Mrs. Rex Philips Johnson who says she
kept the soap box that the key belongs to. Though this key is small, it unlocks
an important part of history and connects us to the “conquer of the world’s
conquer.” What other keys might we have that are linked to major events in the
world’s history? Come check it out for yourself!
Written by:
Brett Meyer
Museum Curator, Baldpate Inn
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