If asked to name the most famous battle ever fought, most people would almost certainly say "Waterloo." But very few would mention, or even know of, Hougoumont; yet Wellington himself declared that "the outcome of the Battle of Waterloo rested upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont."The defence of the chateau and farm of Hougoumont against heavy odds in fighting that continued all day was indeed the key to victory at Waterloo. Had Hougoumont not held out, Blucher's Prussians might well have arrived too late to save the day. Yet the dramatic story of this 'battle within a battle' has never been told until now. Julian Paget combines his skills as a military historian and a battlefield guide to provide a vivid account of the bitter fighting at Hougoumont on 18th June 1815. The book is written in collaboration with Derek Saunders, who has made a lifetime study of Hougoumont; it contains 7 maps and 17 illustrations, and appendices giving useful background information. There is also a chapter on what to look for and look at when visiting Hougoumont today, making it a valuable guide book as well as an authoritative account of events.

Hougoumont: The Key to Victory at Waterloo

History

Saunders, Derek

Paget, Julian

Military

Combined Books

<p>The desperate defence of the hamlet of Hougoumont by the Guards was the key to Wellington's victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. It was 'a battle within a battle' and Wellington himself later declared that the outcome 'rested upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont'.To call this a close run affair was indeed something of an understatement. This book bring to life the events of 18th June 1815 to both the visitor and reader at home.</p>

Hougoumont (Battleground Europe)

Pen_and_Sword

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Books by Saunders, Derek