Henry William Paget

Lord Uxbridge
Marquess of Anglesey
1768 -1854

Lord Uxbridge after surgery on his leg
Lord Uxbridge's false leg

After an impressive military career Paget, as Lord Uxbridge, was Britain's second-in-command at Waterloo.

An exceptional cavalry leader, it was his unleashing of the British heavy cavalry that smashed Napoleon Bonaparte's first major attack of the battle.

Originally an infantry colonel with the 80th Foot, Paget saw action in the Netherlands in 1794 before switching to the cavalry.

Under his direction, the 7th Light Dragoons became a highly respected unit and, in 1808, the now Lieutenant-General Paget led the British cavalry in the Peninsular War at Sahagun, Benavente and Corunna.

His career with Wellington came to an abrupt end when he eloped with the sister-in-law of his commander, but he took part in the Walcheren expedition.

Paget was a Member of Parliament between 1796 and 1810 and, on his father's death, joined the House of Lords.

In 1815, Wellington requested his presence during the 100 Days' Campaign and at Waterloo, where Uxbridge lost his leg.

Other offices held by the Lord Uxbridge included Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland and Master-General of the Ordnance.

In 1846 he was made a Field Marshal.