Farnham Festival 2001
Napoleonic Battle
At Farnham Castle
Saturday, June 16 - Sunday, June 17, 2001

• See Farnham Re-enactment picture albums from our web site links page

BATTLE OF WATERLOO

Three Days in June that shook the World……

In June 1815, all Europe held its breath as Napoleon played his last cards in his lightning campaign of 100 days culminating in the awesome battle of Waterloo. In the summer of 2001, history was repeated as the historic town of Farnham in Surrey played host to a Napoleonic battle spectacular as troops converged from all over Europe to mount a dazzling display of the sound and fury of that fateful day when Napoleon, "the Great Disturber" was finally defeated.

RE-ENACTMENT AT FARNHAM CASTLE

These spectacular battle re-enactments on the opening weekend of the Farnham 2001 Festival got the festivities off to a memorable start.

All aspects of the military life of the period were recreated. The crash of muskets, the blasts of cannon, screaming rockets and the thunder of the heavy cavalry echoed around the beautiful setting of Farnham Park as the French and British forces struggled for supremacy. 

Messengers galloped through the smoke of battle to carry those urgent dispatches to the beleaguered forces, whilst mass cavalry charged into the enemy lines in an attempt to achieve that vital breakthrough.

Over 300 Napoleonic troops from all over the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands depicted some of the events leading up to the final battle as well as the crucial moments in the great battle itself. 

The troops re-created military encampments where the public joined the troops in their Bivouacs, watched them drill and prepared for battle, while surgeons demonstrated their gruesome skills and ladies took the air dressed in all the finery of the "Age of Elegance". This is the time of Pride and Prejudice, Vanity Fair and Richard Sharpe.

PARADE THROUGH FARNHAM

On Saturday afternoon, Farnham’s historic Georgian centre once again witnessed the beautiful dresses and vivid uniforms of a bygone age as the troops and their ladies marched through the town towards the sound of the cannon and rockets firing in Farnham Park.

Period traders displayed their wares and there was a spectacular display of horsemanship as the British 1^st Royal Dragoons and 15^th Hussars threw down the gauntlet to the French 14^th Cuirassiers and Chasseurs a Cheval in a spectacular skill at arms competition. 

Refreshments were available all day and the public were invited to bring their own picnics to enjoy the arena displays before the main battle displays.

HOSPITALITY MARQUEE AND GRANDSTAND

For those wishing to really push the boat out there was the opportunity to wine and dine before the battle in the grand marquee whilst being entertained by period musicians. Guests met the officers of both armies before the bugles call for battle whereupon guests could take their places in the specially-constructed grandstand for a perfect view of the action.

PROGRAMME

EVENING CONCERT - THE 1812 OVERTURE

Ticket Information & Enquiries for Farnham Festival 2001: 01252 711195

PICTURES FROM THE YEAR 2000 FESTIVAL

Click here to view 142 photographs from Farnham 2000.

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Napoleonic Battle enquiries to general secretary Rob Anderson.