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During the Battle of Waterloo, Hougoumont was one of the three main strongpoints on Wellington’s right flank (along with the Papelotte and the Haie Sainte Farms).
Today, Hougoumont looks quite different from how it was in 1815. After the battle much of the property lay in ruins or had burned down.
On 18 June 1815, a diversionary attack led by Prince Jérôme (Napoleon’s brother) against Hougoumont aimed to distract Wellington, drawing his forces to reinforce the center. Over the course of the day, at least seven separate French assaults were launched against Hougoumont. The scene of violent clashes throughout the day.
Its defense was tenacious: British units, notably the Coldstream Guards, along with detachments from Nassau and Hanover, held ground fiercely. Over 6,000 men, both defenders and attackers, were killed. Wellington famously said, «The success of the battle turned upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont».
The chestnut tree at Hougoumont, the only living witness to the battle, still stands. Its companions have perished, looking like skeletons refusing to fall.
