Funeral of the Duke of Wellington. An original programme printed in 1852.

WELLINGTON, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of (1769-1852). Funeral of the Duke of Wellington. Official Programme. London: Halksworth, Engraver, 58 Fleet Street, [1852].

Single-sheet programme, 335 x 170 mm, printed on original card, unbacked, verso blank. Text arranged in two columns within a black mourning border, headed by an illustration of a mourning figure beside a funerary monument beneath a weeping willow. Light toning, but otherwise in very good condition. An excellent ephemeral survivor.

An original programme setting out the order of Wellington's funeral procession to St Paul's Cathedral on 18 November 1852. It records the participating military units, heralds, public bodies and dignitaries, including Prince Albert, together with the Duke's banners and military insignia. The coffin is described as travelling on a funeral car drawn by twelve horses, while Wellington's horse follows the chief mourner, led by his groom. Further instructions explain where representatives of the City of London would join the procession at Temple Bar.

Issued by the Fleet Street engraver Halksworth and headed "Official Programme", reproducing the official arrangements for a commercial purposes, to cash in on the intense demand leading up to the funeral day. A rare item.