Gerald Wellesley

Honorable and Very Reverend Gerald Valerian Wellesley (born in 1809, died on 17 September 1882) was a cleric within the Church of England who served as the Dean of Windsor. He was a nephew of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, and held roles closely associated with the British royal family and government. Wellesley's tenure as Dean of Windsor began in 1854, a position he held until his death in 1882.

Family Background:

Gerald Wellesley was born in Chelsea, London, as the third son of Henry Wellesley, 1st Baron Cowley (1773–1847), and his first wife, Lady Charlotte Cadogan (1781–1853). Lady Charlotte was the daughter of Charles Cadogan, 1st Earl Cadogan. His father was the younger brother of the Duke of Wellington, making Gerald a nephew of the renowned statesman and military leader. His parents divorced in 1810 following Lady Charlotte's affair with Lord Paget.

Marriage and Children:

On 16 September 1856, Wellesley married Honorable Magdalen "Lily" Montagu (1831–1919) at St Mary's, Bryanston Square, London. Magdalen was the daughter of Henry Montagu, 6th Baron Rokeby, and Magdalen Huxley. The couple had one child, Albert Victor Arthur Wellesley, born on 4 July 1865. Albert served as a page of honour to Queen Victoria and was her godson but died at the age of 17 on 23 April 1883.

Education and Ordination:

Wellesley was educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned an MA degree in 1830. He was ordained in 1831. His early ecclesiastical career included serving as a clergy at Stratfield Saye, a parish with familial ties, from 1836 to 1854.

Career and Roles:

In 1849, Wellesley became Queen Victoria's resident chaplain, a position that contributed to his later appointment as Dean of Windsor in 1854. He also served as Lord High Almoner from 1870 until his death in 1882. Throughout his career, he was appreciated for his tactful and gentlemanly demeanor, aligning religiously with Queen Victoria, and was known for delivering short sermons. His relationship with the Queen was particularly notable; he was considered one of her most valued advisers and confidants, often acting as an intermediary on both ecclesiastical and secular issues.

Wellesley was sensitive to the Queen’s preferences in church appointments, avoiding the recommendation of High Churchmen or teetotallers, and favored placing clergymen of high social standing in key parish churches. Politically, he was nonpartisan but maintained friendships with notable figures such as William Gladstone. He played a prominent advisory role during the political crisis of 1880.

Death and Memorials:

Gerald Wellesley died in Hazelwood, near Watford, and was buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor. His memorial at Stratfield Saye was sculpted by George Gammon Adams. Following his death, his widow was appointed "Extra Woman of the Bedchamber" in November 1882.

References:

Further details about his life and influence can be found in the article "Gerald Wellesley, A Victorian Dean" by Georgina Battiscombe, published in History Today in 1969.