Sir Walter’s Trip to the Battlefield of Waterloo

Summary of the Talk:

1. Introduction:
2. The story begins on 23 June 1815 with Walter Scott hearing the news of the victory at Waterloo. This event, marked by celebrations, was a pivotal moment in European history, and Scott, a famous poet, became deeply involved with it.
3. The talk traces his journey, inspired by his desire to witness the aftermath of the battle, and reflects his connection to historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte (NB) and the Duke of Wellington.
4. Departure and Companions:
5. Scott embarked on his journey to Brussels on 28 July 1815, accompanied by his cousin John Scott, two younger advocates, and a pistol for safety. He was excited to explore the aftermath of the battle and meet key figures of the era, including the Tsar and the Duke of Wellington.
6. Journey Through Europe:
7. The trip took Scott through England, Belgium, and France. He visited major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Paris, and learned of the chaos and enthusiasm surrounding Napoleon’s defeat.
8. Scott took a keen interest in the battlefield of Waterloo, where he spent significant time reflecting on the scale of the battle and its historical importance.
9. Waterloo Battlefield:
10. Scott described the battlefield as a place of “horrid magnificence,” with over 30,000 dead, including soldiers and horses. It was a symbol of the devastation that marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
11. He collected mementos from the battlefield, including two French cuirasses and a manuscript stained with the blood of a fallen French officer.
12. Paris:
13. Scott continued his journey to Paris, observing the political and social climate in the aftermath of Napoleon’s defeat. The tension was palpable, and he made several fascinating observations, including witnessing the grand Russian military review.
14. He met famous personalities, including the Duke of Wellington, with whom he had a memorable interaction at a ball.
15. Reflections:
16. Upon returning to the UK, Scott reflected on the significance of the battle, both in tangible terms (such as the public fund for the battle’s victims) and intangible ones (the profound impact it had on his writing and creative mind).
17. His impressions were later reflected in works such as Paul’s Letters to his Kinsfolk and Life of Napoleon Buonaparte.

Interesting Points Worth Mentioning:

• Walter Scott’s Personal Connection to Napoleon: Scott and Napoleon shared the same birthday (15 August) and both had an early interest in martial matters, which tied them together in a profound way.
• Mementos from the Battlefield: Scott’s acquisition of French military items, like the bullet-ridden cuirass, shows his fascination with the physical remnants of history. It also highlights his role as a cultural historian who preserved aspects of the past.
• The Cultural Influence of Waterloo: The visit to Paris after the battle illustrated the deep cultural and political shifts happening in France and across Europe. Scott’s observations provide a snapshot of the complex atmosphere following Napoleon’s defeat.
• Ghost Stories: The account of the ghostly supper party is particularly eerie, linking both the supernatural and the psychological effects of war and trauma.
• The Duke of Wellington’s Influence: The interaction between Scott and the Duke is revealing, showing that despite being a national hero, Wellington was regarded with awe and was a figure of immense respect, even by Scott.



This talk encapsulates Scott’s curiosity about the world, the impacts of major historical events on individuals, and how those moments became woven into the fabric of Scott’s own creative works.

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