‘One Hall: Two Adversaries’ Experience Awaits in the Lakes

As the Battle of Waterloo’s 210th anniversary approaches on June 18, a ‘One Hall; Two Adversaries’ experience, at Levens Hall and Gardens in the idyllic Southern Lake District, is sure to wow – and can even be delivered by the Hall’s owner himself.

The opportunity to view items once belonging to both the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon Bonaparte is available to those venturing through the door of the Elizabethan Hall on a self-guided basis.  In 2025, it is, for the first time, also available to groups booking a tour with Richard Bagot, the current owner.

Levens Hall is rich in the possessions of both the Iron Duke and Napoleon.  Wellington had a favoured niece – Lady Mary Charlotte Ann Wellesley – who married Charles Bagot, owner of Levens Hall, in 1806.  When the Duke passed away – something Queen Victoria described as an “irreparable” loss to the country -  he bequeathed several precious items to his niece, all of which are now on display at Levens Hall.  

There are the gloves he wore at Waterloo, taken off his hands, post-battle, by Lady Mornington, displayed with his spectacles and case.  Other items belonging to “the greatest man (the United Kingdom) ever produced”, include his campaign bed, locks of his hair and those of his acclaimed horse, Copenhagen, and a bottle of port wine presented by the people of Oporto after the Peninsular War.

Visitors can also see a copy of The Times newspaper, from June 22, 1815, giving details of the Battle of Waterloo.

Whilst these items are personal to Wellington, the Duke also acquired various items belonging to Napoleon. Some were left behind when Napoleon hurriedly fled and ran back to Paris, only to abdicate four days later.  The reason for Wellington having had other possessions, owned by the man he called “a fraud” is less clear.

As a result, Levens Hall is home to Napoleon’s writing blotter, taken from a captured Napoleonic coach after Waterloo, and a small book, seized from the carriage of Joseph Bonaparte at the Battle of Vitoria. There is also a set of French porcelain figures depicting the Emperor and his marshals.

Visitors’ eyes are also often drawn to the Arabian saddle, presented to Napoleon by Elphi, the Bey of Cairo, during the French leader’s campaign in Egypt.  

Then there is the bee clasp Napoleon proudly wore on his cloak, as the oldest emblem of French sovereigns and a symbol of immortality and resurrection.  This was adorning his cloak before Waterloo and found at the battleground by the Duke of Wellington’s Aide de Camp.  

Not to be missed is the special green porcelain Sèvres chocolate service Napoleon had ordered as a gift for his mother Laetitia (Letizia) or Madame Mère.  Luxury breakfast services were manufactured by Sèvres for the serving of coffee, tea and hot chocolate, all exotic beverages at the time, and intended for royals and those in noble families.  It is said the chocolate service, already packed up and waiting to be presented by Napoleon, was seized at the porcelain factory, by Wellington or his aides. This exquisite item, depicts hunting scenes in the park of Vincennes and portrait-like figures of Napoleon and his generals.

Whilst anyone can view all of this on a self-guided basis, exploring the ‘Two Adversaries: One Hall’ theme with Richard Bagot, as part of a group sized 10 or more, adds even more. Richard has recently recorded an Instagram reel, in which, when asked about the most interesting thing in Levens Hall, he rushes to Napoleon’s saddle and then highlights a copy of a Delacroix painting, showing Napoleon riding on that very saddle.  The original of that artwork is in the Louvre but the original saddle is in Richard’s family home.  

Richard’s enthusiasm is infectious as he provides unique family insight into all of the possessions with a Waterloo connection but also offers a fascinating interpretation for many other of the things on display.

The political fortunes of Britain and much of Europe were shaped by Napoleon and his campaigns over 23 years of recurrent warfare, which only ended because of Waterloo.  To view the personal possessions of the two adversaries is to take a glimpse into both their lives and the times in which they lived.

Those wishing to view all of this, as well as exquisite Elizabethan plasterwork and carvings, unique Cordova leather wallpaper, the earliest English patchwork, fabulous furniture, including Chippendale items, and much more, can visit Levens Hall any day of the week.  

For anyone wanting to tour the house on a self-guided basis, entrance is from 11am and last admission at 3pm, half an hour before closure at 3.30pm.  Special tours with a Hall Guide are bookable by calling 015395 60321, extension 211, and are for between 10 and 40 people.

Anyone wanting to book a private tour with Richard Bagot, subject to his availability, can ring the Hall on the same number and discuss the details and pricing for the tailored experience.

General admission tickets to Levens Hall and Gardens, which include the opportunity to tour 10 acres of gardens that include the world’s oldest topiary garden, cost £16.45 for an adult, £5.50 for a child and £41 for a family of two adults and up to three children aged 5-16.  Gardens-only admission is £12.45, £4.50 and £31 respectively.  All tickets can be purchased at www.levenshall.co.uk or at the entrance kiosk.  Garden opening times are between 10am and 5pm (last admission at 4pm).

Whilst Levens Hall cannot serve up hot chocolate in the Sèvres chocolate service, its award-winning Levens Kitchen has regular hot chocolate and lots more, including exquisite brunches, tasty lunches and delightful afternoon teas. Levens Bakery, meanwhile, provides takeaway bakes and cakes, ideal for those wanting to picnic or head into the nearby Levens Deer Park.

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Editors notes

Levens Hall & Gardens is a historic house in the South Lakes, Cumbria, close to Kendal and home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, dating from 1694, created by French garden designer, Guillaume Beaumont. The Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house built around a 13th century pele tower and has close links to the Duke of Wellington, as well as various items which once belonged to him and Napoleon Bonaparte. Levens Park is home to the rare Bagot goats gifted to the Bagot family and a place in which to stroll and enjoy nature. Levens Kitchen is the contemporary new cafe, full of delights for cake lovers and foodies alike.