First shots of Battle of Waterloo found

Researchers believe they have found musket balls that were among some of the first shots fired during the Battle of Waterloo.

Through a combination of Geo-physical survey work by the Ghent University’s Department of Soil Management, metal detecting and a series of test trenches, the Waterloo Uncovered team has started to explore the area of a former wood that dominated the French army’s approach to the Hougoumont farm buildings which were defended by regiments including the Coldstream Guards. A number of spent musket balls fired by both British and French troops have been found at the Southern extremity of this wood; these are thought to be some of the first shots fired in the Battle.

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Story: University of Glasgow | Photo: University of Glasgow