“... one of the jewels of modern re-enactment - The Napoleonic Association”

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Overview   Wellington’s Army   Napoleon’s Army

It was Bonaparte's brilliance that forged from a post revolutionary France, one of the strongest and most well led military machines the world has ever seen. By the end of 1806 mainland Europe was under the domination of Bonaparte who had styled himself as Emperor in 1804 and only Britain and Russia alone stood in the way of Napoleons global ambitions. The British Navy’s domination of the European oceans made it possible for the British to land in Portugal in 1808 opening the Peninsular wars - 6 years of bloody conflict which saw the British push the French back through Spain and eventually, in 1814, to Paris itself. The final conflict occurred near a small village called Waterloo, outside Brussels, in June 1815.

 

The Napoleonic Association has a membership of enthusiasts who relive the actions and adventures of the men and women of the Napoleonic Wars. Vast amounts of information on the uniforms, tactics and weapons has been gathered and shared over the years to ensure the Regiments and Characters we portray are so accurate we can bring them to life once more. We are very proud that our standards are high and you can be assured that a Napoleonic Association event will be colourful, exciting, educational and stimulating.

 

The expertise of our members is recognised by many outside organisations including the film production industry (Members have provided major support in the making of many TV productions including Vanity Fair, Pride and Prejudice, Hornblower and the Sharpe series). We frequently receive considerable media coverage for our events and enjoy many compliments from the media and major historical and tourist organisations such as the National Trust, English Heritage and the Friends of Waterloo Committee. Our membership continues to grow.

 

In the camps, you will witness the life of an army in the field. The officers and their wives, soldiers and camp followers living out their everyday lives. Working, and relaxing, eating, drilling, preparing arms and equipment. You will witness the dispensation of military justice, particularly worrying if you happen to be in the French camp under the shadow of Madame Guillotine. We enjoy re-creating many different cameos that entertain whilst capturing the essence of the period and military life. These cameos take place throughout the day in both of the period camps and are always well appreciated and well attended.

 

If you want to enjoy and explore the fascinating period of history that began with the death of a king and ended with the fall of an Emperor, The Napoleonic Association is ready to march.