Wellington developed its strong reputation in wool-making in the late 1600s, later creating khaki coloured cloth for the military in the First World War. ⁤However, Bronze Age archeology discoveries, like flint tools and other evidence of prehistoric settlements, suggest that Wellington civilisation dates back 5000 years. In fact, Roman discoveries have also been discovered, including pottery fragments and a single coin, indicating a brief presence in the area. But, the oldest known written mention of Wellington is found in a document from the year 909CE, which recorded the transfer of the town to Bishop Asser. The town is also mentioned in the ‘Domesday Book of 1086’ under the name ‘Walintone’

Wellington also has a rich political history, the town is closely tied to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. He was granted Dukeship in 1814 for his military success in the Napoleonic wars. His brother Richard, believing that their family had originated from Somerset, chose the title ‘Wellington’. Although only visiting Wellington once while passing through, his name is still prominent within the town. As a matter of fact, the well-known Wellington Monument was erected due to the Duke of Wellington's success.

If you want to learn more about Wellington’s past and present we invite you to check some of these pages: