This great metropolitan mansion was constructed by Robert Adam between 1771 and 1778. In 1807 it passed to the family of Wellesley , who twice extended the former brick house and later encased it in stone. They also completely restored the house's interiors to reflect the rising status of Duke of Wellington’s and provide space for various official and informal celebrations, such as the annual Waterloo Banquets , commemorating the great victory of British Royal Army. Nowadays this splendid mansion holds a vast collection of precious objects such as silver plate and unique porcelain taken by the Duke of Wellington as war as trophies . At the centre of the house stands a colossal nude statue representing defeated Napoleon. In 1947, when the seventh Duke of Wellington donated the house to the nation , the Wellesley family retained their private rooms. This makes the Apsley House the only historical site managed by English Heritage, which is still inhabited by the original owner’s family.