Learn more about our popular Napoleon-themed chess set on this page.
The Battle of Waterloo Chess Set
Near the village of Waterloo just south of Brussels, Belgium on 18th June 1815, was fought the final and decisive battle of the Napoleonic Wars. The combined armies of British and Prussian forces under the Commander in Chief, the Duke of Wellington, met in battle with the French army commanded by Napoleon. Without doubt the Battle of Waterloo was the most significant European battle as its result determined Europe's future history. Our sculptors and designers have combined to create, from the principal characters of the era, a chess set of great authentic detail. Below is information on the key players of the war that inspired the pieces of the set.
Napoleon sought to re-establish his dominance over Europe by defeating the Coalition forces before they could properly unite, Napoleon helmed an army 72,000 strong with the plan to engage Duke Wellingtons Anglo-Allied forces while preventing the Reinforcements from Blucher's Prussian army.
However, Napoleon's army was decisevly defeated, factors such as Poor Coordination, over-reliance on Marshal Ney, delayed reinforcements and the inevitable arrival of the Prussian army all contributed to his downfall.
King Piece - French
French Emperor and military leader of genius. Born in Corsica he quickly rose from the rank of Corporal to become an artillery officer. His reputation grew during the French Revolutionary Wars and his politically astute marriage to the widow Josephine de Beauharnais in 1796 enabled him to gain power. A national hero, he became First Consul of France in 1799 and in 1804 crowned himself Emperor. His military campaigns went well and he won over 50 battles, giving him the reputation of invincibility.
However, his disastrous Russian campaign led to the virtual destruction of his 'Grand Army' during the harsh winter retreat from Moscow. A series of defeats culminated in Napoleon's abdication in 1814 when he was exiled to the island of Elba. He escaped from there in March 1815 and returned to France where he ruled for 100 days ending in his defeat at Waterloo on 18 June. He was afterwards imprisoned on the island of St Helena where he died in exile in 1821.
Queen Piece - French
Bishop Piece - French
Pick Your Side
Choose Napoleon and Bring Victory To The French!
The Seventh Coalition sought to prevent Napoleon from reclaiming power, and restore European stability under the post-Napoleonic era. Including British, Dutch, Belgian and German Troops led by the Duke of Wellington, and Prussian troops under Blucher.
With around 68,000 troops, they maintained a primarily defensive posture awaiting the reinforcements of the Prussian Army, 50,000 strong. With the Prussian army flanking Napoleon on the right and rear, sealing his defeat and leading to his exile to Saint Helena.
King Piece - Coalition
Queen Piece - Coalition
Bishop Piece - Coalition
Pick Your Side
Choose Duke Arthur and Bring Victory To The Coalition!
Into The Present
The Battle of Waterloo ended the wars that terrorised Europe since the French Revolution, also ending France's attempts to dominate the European Continent.
This inaugurated a European peace, that asides from the brief interruption from the Crimean War, lasted until 1914. In the years that followed the Battle of Waterloo, France and Britain were brought closer together, fighting as partners throughout the two World Wars.
Throughout Britain, Waterloo is commemorated in the names of streets, bridges, railways and parks. A person who has been defeated after a run of success is said to have 'met their Waterloo'
Additional Information
Below are a variety of curated resources where you can learn more about the pivotal battle and its remarkable characters.
Below is a link to the Waterloo Museum in France, maybe you can take a visit and really experience the locale in which the decisive battle took place!
Waterloo MuseumStudio Anne Carlton are also suppliers to Historic Royal Palaces, The British Museum, English Heritage and many other famous museum and historical sites.
If you want to bring a piece of this history home, the best option is to take a look at our hand crafted Battle of Waterloo Chess Set.
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