209th anniversary of Battle of Waterloo beckons

If you’re into military history, an upcoming event will be right up your street, writes Martin Banks.

It is the 209th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo this summer and a great weekend is planned to mark this milestone.

Throughout one weekend in June, the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo will be commemorated.

On 28-29 June, numerous original activities will be offered to the public at the two sites: Napoleon’s Last HQ and the Battle of Waterloo Estate.

For those unfamiliar with the battle, it was on 18 June, 1815, in Waterloo, that Napoleon made his final stand in a battle that forever shaped history. With his army, he attempted a daring gamble: to separately defeat the forces of Wellington and Blücher before the coalition launched its offensive. For more than 10 hours, 180,000 men clashed to change the fate of Europe.

During the big anniversary weekend, you will be able to explore the historic bivouacs and visit the French camp at Napoleon’s Last Headquarters and the Allied camp in the orchard of Hougoumont Farm to discover the fascinating daily life of soldiers.

Scores of reenactors will share their passion for Napoleonic battles, all dressed in colourful uniforms of the various troops who once gathered to engage in some very fierce fighting.

The Hougoumont farm was key to Wellington’s success and will host the troops commanded by Wellington himself, the Prince of Orange-Nassau, and the famous Field Marshal von Blücher.

Visitors will discover the bivouac life of the British, Dutch, Brunswick, Nassau, Prussian, and Hanoverian troops, as well as the preparations and training of the armies and soldier life.

You can also stroll through the civilian village on the Panorama esplanade and discover trades from the past. Fifty artisans will revive forgotten crafts, bringing an authentic ambiance to this historic site. People can meet basket weavers, clog makers, rope makers, lace makers, wood turners, potters, spinners, blacksmiths, surgeons, and many more.

The domain of the Battle of Waterloo itself spans over 20 hectares, offering an exceptional setting to explore one of the most significant events in European history.

While on site people may wish to also visit The Panorama, a monumental circular painting that is 110 meters long and 12 meters high—an impressive work that transports you to the heart of the battle.

There is also the Lion’s Mound where people can climb the 226 steps of this iconic monument for an unbeatable view of the battlefield.

Hougoumont Farm is a strategically significant place, rich in history,
through rooms renovated in 2024, with a stunning sound and light show.

Further info

bataillewaterloo.be.

• Photo courtesy of Dernier de Napoleon

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