HOUGOUMONT

This fortified farm saw some bloody fighting. It was an advanced position which protected the allies' right flank together with the Haie-Sainte and Papelotte farms. Napoleon attacked it on 18 June towards 11:30 am. What was originally intended as a diversionary tactic became the most violent point of the fighting. The French launched all-out assaults on it but to no avail. There was ferocious fighting until 7 pm. The orchard and garden changed hands seven times while the buildings stayed in the hands of the 1500 coalition soldiers. The main building was burnt to the ground. The house still standing there today is the former gardener’s home. Victor Hugo devoted two chapters of his book, Les Misérables to this skirmish.