The desperate defence of the hamlet of Hougoumont by the Guards was the key to Wellington's victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. It was 'a battle within a battle' and Wellington himself later declared that the outcome 'rested upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont'. To call this a close run affair was indeed something of an understatement. This book bring to life the events of 18th June 1815 to both the visitor and reader at home.