Photographic Print : Key to Waterloo Banquet N970007

EDITORS COMMENTS

This historic photograph, N970007 from the Historic England Photo Library, captures an engraving of "The Banquet after the Battle of Waterloo," which was held at Apsley House in Kent, England. The Banquet, a significant event in military history, took place on the evening of June 18, 1815, following the momentous Battle of Waterloo. The battle, which marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars, saw the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte by the allied forces led by the Duke of Wellington and Prussian General Blücher. The engraving depicts a grand scene of celebration and camaraderie, with military officers and dignitaries gathered around a long table, toasting to their victory. The Duke of Wellington, dressed in his military uniform, stands at the head of the table, raising his glass in a toast. The banquet was held at Apsley House, the London residence of the Duke of Wellington, which was later renamed Wellington House in his honor. The intricate details of the engraving reveal the opulence of the occasion, with ornate table settings, crystal glasses, and fine silverware. The atmosphere is one of relief and jubilation, as the victorious allies came together to celebrate their hard-won triumph. This engraving is a testament to the historical significance of the Battle of Waterloo and the enduring legacy of the Duke of Wellington as a military leader and a national hero. This photograph, N970007, is a valuable addition to any collection of military history or British history, providing a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the pivotal role that the Battle of Waterloo played in shaping the course of European history. It is a reminder of the courage, determination, and strategic brilliance of the allied forces and their leaders, who, against all odds, were able to secure a victory that would bring an end to the Napoleonic Wars and usher in a new era of peace and stability.