Named for an 1807 battle & valiant in one 8 years later, Copenhagen was this man’s steed; society ladies donned strands of his hair

On the March 19, 2025, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was “Historical Horses.” Contestants were presented with the following clue:

“Named for an 1807 battle & valiant in one 8 years later, Copenhagen was this man’s steed; society ladies donned strands of his hair.”

Who was the Duke of Wellington?

Copenhagen was the trusted warhorse of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, the British military leader who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The horse was named after the Battle of Copenhagen (1807), a significant British naval engagement during the Napoleonic Wars. Bred from a mix of Thoroughbred and Arabian stock, Copenhagen was known for his stamina, resilience, and fiery temperament—qualities that made him well-suited for the battlefield.

Wellington acquired Copenhagen in 1813 during the Peninsular War and rode him in several military campaigns. However, it was at Waterloo that the horse earned his place in history. Throughout the grueling day-long battle, Copenhagen carried Wellington across the battlefield without faltering. Even after hours of combat, the horse remained so energetic that he reportedly attempted to kick Wellington when the general dismounted after the victory.

The Battle of Waterloo and Copenhagen’s Role

On June 18, 1815, the Battle of Waterloo marked the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte and reshaped European history. Copenhagen was at the center of this pivotal conflict, carrying Wellington tirelessly as he directed British and Allied forces against the French. Despite intense cannon fire and the chaos of battle, the horse remained steadfast, allowing Wellington to remain highly mobile on the battlefield.

Wellington himself praised Copenhagen’s endurance, recognizing that the horse played a crucial role in his ability to command effectively. Given that Wellington and Copenhagen were constantly in motion, the horse’s stamina was vital in ensuring that the Duke could respond to French movements in real-time. This reliability helped secure one of the most decisive victories in military history.

Copenhagen’s Retirement and Legacy

Following the Battle of Waterloo, Copenhagen was retired to Stratfield Saye House, Wellington’s country estate in England. Unlike many warhorses, he lived a peaceful retirement, often visited by admirers. He became something of a national icon, and visitors to the estate were eager to see the famed steed that had carried Wellington to victory.

Copenhagen died in 1836 at the age of 28 and was given a formal burial with full military honors—an uncommon tribute for a horse. His gravestone remains a historical landmark, commemorating his service alongside one of Britain’s greatest military leaders.

A Society Trend: Keepsakes from Copenhagen

As a testament to his fame, Copenhagen’s legacy extended beyond military circles. In an era when personal mementos of famous figures were highly prized, society women collected strands of his hair as keepsakes. These strands were often woven into jewelry or kept as sentimental relics, reflecting the admiration people had for the horse and his role in British history.

This practice was part of a broader 19th-century trend of keeping physical remnants of significant historical figures or events. Owning a piece of Copenhagen’s hair was considered a tribute to Wellington’s triumph at Waterloo and a way to connect to a moment of national pride.

The Enduring Symbol of Copenhagen

Copenhagen remains one of the most famous warhorses in history, symbolizing loyalty, resilience, and military success. His partnership with Wellington is often compared to other legendary military duos, such as Napoleon and Marengo, or Alexander the Great and Bucephalus.

His story serves as a reminder of the critical role that horses played in warfare before the mechanization of combat. Even today, Copenhagen’s name is synonymous with victory, and his legacy is preserved through historical records, his gravesite, and the many accounts of his bravery on the battlefield.