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Lot 189

Own a Piece of Waterloo History

Amended
27 October 2021, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £956.25 inc. premium

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Own a Piece of Waterloo History

A unique chance to own a sapling from one of the surviving chestnut trees that have stood guard over Hougoumont Farm for more than two centuries. These trees are an iconic symbol of the heritage of Waterloo and bore witness to the Battle itself. Located to the south of Hougoumont they would have seen some of the earliest fighting of the day when the area was overrun by Jerome Bonaparte's infantry. Amidst the fighting, trees were so badly damaged by musket fire that almost all were felled not long after the battle concluded.

After the battle three trees remained standing, although only one is still living. To this day, musket ball holes are still evidence on the trunks of the remaining trees, and metal detecting has revealed that musket balls are embedded within them!

The recent tragic loss of one of the trees in a violent storm earlier this year has been keenly felt by tourists, archaeologists, historians, and enthusiasts alike - and means that preserving the legacy of these mighty chestnuts through their saplings is more important than ever.

Kindly donated by Penelope Milburn.


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Please note the Lot might require a phytosanitary certificate to be exported outside of the UK.

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