Snowy Waterloo

A DREAM COME TRUE

Waterloo in the Snow

For decades I have marvelled at the occasional photo of the Waterloo battlefield in the snow. The touring season means I get to enjoy and share this peaceful landscape across the seasons, from the vibrancy of Spring, through the bounty of Summer (when the battle was fought) to the rich colours of Autumn. Each visit, each season, each change in the crops highlights unique features and folds in the topography, still building knowledge and understanding as I close in on a hundred visits.

Now, thanks to intrepid guests from Australia, fate led me to Waterloo in the winter. In a phrase "a dream come true" ... in a word, "spectacular!"

Waking up to unexpected fresh snow, in freezing temperatures, what is a man to do but hasten to the battlefield! Wrapped up, blood surging through the veins, marching gingerly across the ice, then striding out across the snow, hardly another soul in sight. It is my very great pleasure to share a few photographs that I took on that glorious November day. A rare sight indeed.

Without more ado, here are a few chilly images to enrich your Winter and dreams of touring. Enjoy!

THE WINTRY BATTLEFIELD

Mercer's Ridge

The Allied ridge, from a position familiar to Colborne and Ramsey.

And the view across to La Belle Alliance, centre of the French line, as seen from numerous Royal Horse Artillery positions.

View from Mercer's ridge toward the Lion Mound, battlefield of Waterloo 1815, in the snow.
Waterloo snow image, the view from Mercer's ridge towards the centre of the French lines.

Hougoumont

The hollow way reveals layers of detail in the ice, whilst the view across the former orchard back towards the ridge shows the battlefield in stunning glory.


The Hollow Way leading to Hougoumont farm on the Waterloo battlefield in ice and snow.
Snow clad battlefield of Waterloo, taken close to the corner of the Hougoumont garden wall, looking back toward the allied ridge and the Lion Mound.

Hougoumont

Ever photogenic, the ancient buildings and trees of the farm complex combine as sentinels to the past.

Snowy scene of the Hougoumont wall, and farm complex behind.
Pictured centre is the last living survivor of Waterloo 1815, standing proud amidst the ice and snow.

Butte du Lion

All 226 steps of the 1826 Lion Mound. Together with a more distant shot of the mound overlooking the 1912 Dumoulin Panorama building taken from the crossroads.

La Butte du Lion in the snow.
The 1826 Lion Mound and 1912 Panorama covered in snow on Wellington's ridge, Waterloo battlefield.

Memorials

The monument to the 29 year old Alexander Gordon, ADC to the Duke, still defending the crossroads.

And an Imperial Eagle, atop the Allied ridge (!), a proud survivor of the former arrangement of buildings gathered at the foot of the Lion Mound.

Memorial to the young Lt Colonel Alexander Gordon in the snow.
Waterloo battlefield eagle clad in snow

D'Erlon's Aim

Picton's view toward La Belle Alliance, crops emphasising deep undulations in the topography that featured so strongly in the battle.

And a view from the hedge momentarily crossed by leading units of Marcognet's division.

Snow covered crops on the Waterloo battlefield, viewed from General Picton's final position, looking toward La Belle Alliance.
Snowy hedgerow reached by Marcognet's division just prior to the advance of the Royal North British Dragoons (Scots Greys).

Vincke & Vandeleur

Peering over the hedge line across to the French lines, scene of Donzelot's advance and the demise of Ponsonby.

And a telescope view of the same, towards the spire of Plancenoit in the Lasne valley beyond.

Snow scene of Waterloo battlefield toward Plancenoit, site of the actions of Durutte and Ponsonby in 1815.
View from the allied left flank manned by Best, Vincke & Vandeleur's forces across snowy fields toward the village church of Plancenoit.

Hussar Vivian

Heading toward the Duke's far left, in the footsteps, or rather the horse hooves, of Müffling awaiting the eruption of Zieten.

And a deceptively flat view, above the steep slope down to Papelotte, Hussey's view looking across the battlefield.


Snow covered track leading to the far left flank of Wellington's Waterloo ridge.
Snow covered fields above Papelotte on the far left flank of Wellington's Waterloo ridge.

Yes we did!

Braving the icy steps and biting wind, this is the seasonal view from atop the Lion Mound. The venerable La Haye Sainte with its little orchard takes centre stage.

Snowy view from the Lion Mound looking across to the farm and orchard of La Haye Sainte

I look forward to welcoming you to these marvellous Waterloo battlefield and campaign landscapes, in snow or shine!

Very best wishes, Robert

BACK TO RESEARCH
OUR STORY
QUALITY STANDARDS
TESTIMONIALS