The Duke of Wellington - 1852

Many notable Brits are buried in the crypt of St Paul's, but the two that really catch the eye are to two men known as military heroes - Horatio Nelson and Arthur Wellesley, the 'Iron Duke' of Wellington.

Nelson had been interred at St Paul's for ten years before Wellington would see the battle that would secure his name in history - defeat over Napoleon on the Belgian fields at Waterloo. 

Unlike Nelson, who died in battle, Wellington went on to live a long life - in which he was also Prime Minister - dying at the age of 83. But the passing of the years had not diminished the people's respect for him and, like Nelson, he was afforded a funeral at St Paul's.

The service was a lavish affair. Tens-of-thousands lined the streets and stands were erected in the Cathedral that allowed it to fit 13,000 people. The then Dean, Henry Milman, described the sound of the huge congregation reciting the Lord's Prayer as 'like the roar of many waters', a phrase taken from the Book of Revelation.

After the service he was lowered into the crypt and buried in a sarcophagus made of luxulyanite granite, just yards from Nelson. His tomb is guarded by four lions - sleeping as there is no need to fight any longer.

Later, a large monument  was erected on the Cathedral floor, at the bottom of which Wellington is shown lying in death and at the top of which he is seen riding his trusty steed, Copenhagen.