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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.
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“... one of the jewels of modern
re-enactment - The Napoleonic Association”
History Today Magazine |
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