Battle

On 18th June 1815, a battle was fought in Belgium that would decide who ruled Europe. An alliance of British, German, and Belgian soldiers banded together against the French, led by Napoleon Bonaparte. 200,000 soldiers fought near a village called Waterloo.

Explore our objects, articles and videos to learn the gripping and gory facts of the Waterloo Campaign.

  • A Surgical Saw and blood stained glove from Waterloo

    Surgical Saw and Bloodstained Glove

    This British surgical saw and a blood-stained leather glove were used after the Battle of Waterloo to amputate the leg of a senior British officer. The operation was needed to cut off the leg of Henry Paget, Lord Uxbridge (1768-1854), who commanded the British cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo.

  • Winston Churchill’s toy soldiers

    Timeline of the 100 Days

    The 100 days from Napoleon’s escape from Elba to the Battle of Waterloo

  • Eagle standard of the 45th French Regiment. Copyright Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum.

    Eagle Standard of the French 45th

    This Imperial eagle is one of the most iconic objects of the Napoleonic period. In 1804, the new Napoleonic Empire introduced a standardised flag for the French army.

  • The lion mound at Waterloo

    Walking the Battlefield of Waterloo

    This article describes the points of interest and landmarks to look out for when touring the battlefield.

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