Staff at Walmer Castle had no idea that part of the castle’s ‘cloud hedge’ bears an uncanny resemblance to the Duke of Wellington.

A new exhibition at the castle, where the duke lived when he was Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, has just been opened, recreating his residence there in this 200th anniversary year of his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.

Two weeks ago the Mercury used a photo from reader Di Goodson, of Station Road, Walmer, showing what looks like the Duke of Wellington’s distinctive profile in the ‘cloud hedge’ - a double herbaceous border flanked by mature yew hedges - in the castle’s gardens.

Mrs Goodson said: “Whether or not it’s a fluke of the shadowing I’m convinced it’s him. Lord Wellington lived and died at Walmer Castle so I think he’s not entirely gone.”

Kate Olpin, property manager, Walmer Castle, said: “Mrs Goodson’s photo proved quite a talking point among the team here. I must admit it isn’t something that we had spotted, but you can definitely see the likeness in the picture, it’s quite uncanny.

“We have all been busy putting the finishing touches to new displays about the duke’s life and legacy as part of our re-imagining of the castle for the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo. He certainly was a very influential figure and it’s clear that his spirit lives on strongly here!”

The new exhibition, part of a £675,000 cash injection at the castle, focuses on the duke’s post-Waterloo story, with three rooms in the refurbished area, including the bedroom where he died in 1852. Prime Minister William Pitt (the Younger) is the focus of two further exhibition rooms.