The outcome of the Battle of Waterloo rested upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont, declared Wellington himself. The story of the defence of the Chateau de Hougoumont is told here by Sir Julian Paget, who has led many battlefield tours to Waterloo, and Derek Saunders. The book offers an account of how 6000 allied troops, mostly the Guards, held this key position all day against constant attacks by 15,000 French, and inflicted 5000 casualties whilst suffering only 1500 themselves. There is also a chapter on Hougoumont today, which serves as a guide for anyone visiting the scene, where it is still easy to envisage the events of 18th June 1815.