Bernard, Could you tell me, did the Duke of Wellington really invent the Wellie boot and if so when? David Brown
He did not, but he did favour a peculiar fashion in boots - they covered the knee in front, but not behind (so the leg could be bent for riding). That boot became known as a Wellington Boot as early as 1818, and in the early 20th century (why, I don't know) the name was transferred to what we call a welly. All very odd, and I can't offer a more cogent explanation.