That's what we did and went to one of the parts where once British soldiers have fought in the Waterloo battle.
We made a stop in an old farm which had been transformed into a beautiful restaurant. The kitchen was in the same room as the guests so that you could watch the cooking. We only had a drink there, before we crossed the main street and visited the farm of Hougoumont.
Before the Waterloo battle in 1815 it had looked like this.
After the battle and a fire and over 30 years of neglect the entrance now looks like this ! In view of the 200th anniversary of the battle, finally renovations started !
The Chateau d'Hougoumont was large farmhouse. Here the British and other allied forces faced Napoleon's Army at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815.
Very attached to the building, which is of great historical value because it was a turning point in the battle, the British were involved in renovation costs, paying out a million pounds (1.2 million euros). The farm will then be a permanent memorial tribute to fallen British soldiers during the battle.
It was also the place Victor Hugo described in Les Misérables
It was not allowed to visit the site, but I insisted, pretending that I did a reportage for a British magazine ! After the promise to be careful I was allowed to go inside. There is still a lot to do if they want to finish in June 2014 !
were these memorial plaques.
I certainly will go back there in a couple of month to see how far they are with the renovation.
Wow.... from your photos, the weather looks perfect for an outdoor trip. Looking forward to the 200th anniversary of the Waterloo battle.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely, spring walk!
ReplyDeleteAh you are a wily one! Getting into the building on the pretext of being a reporter! Good work. I hope (believe) the European renovators will be quicker than those here in Africa, else it will never be finished in 2015! Jo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images, thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to explore historic places. Thanks for letting us do so through your photos.
ReplyDeleteNice weather is always good photo taking motivation ~ lovely photo tour of a piece of your world ~ thanks,
ReplyDeletexxx
artmusedog and carol
Sounds amazing. So much rich history.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting place full of history. I best love the way you got inside anyway! You are a gutsy lady!! Love it.
ReplyDeleteHi Gattina .. gosh the weather does make such a difference - it's been lovely here.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your return visit once they've finished refurbishing and restoring it ..
Cheers Hilary
You are a sly woman gattina lol Hope you make the reportage like you said you would. It will bring more people to notice what is going on.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see it once it's done.
ReplyDeleteYes since spring is arrived everywhere life is beautiful! The farm of the Chateau Hougoumont looks so typical! A new place to visit! Nice the british love the place and offer the opportunity of a great restauration!
ReplyDeleteOh you intrepid reporter, talking your way in to see things. I am glad the farm and farmhouse are being restored and honored.
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