Waterloo

THE GORDON MONUMENT


 


This monument was built in 1817 in the honour of lieutenant-colonel Gordon, by his family. This officer died in the head-quarters of Wellington, his leg having been blown off by a cannon ball.

It consists of a fluted column on a square foot, resting on two stone steps and surrounded by an iron-grate, it stands on a mount, the height of which is that of the field before the construction of the Lion of Waterloo; access is given by a stone stair of 23 steps.

On the north face, under a funeral wreath, is an English inscription, the French translation of which is to be read on the south side:

"A desperate sister and five brothers erected this simple monument to him who was their dearest affection ".

On the east side are engraved the following inscriptions: TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO (Three united in one) and: ICH DIEN (I serve). This inscription is under three boars' heads forming a scutcheon.

On the west side, the device: FORTUNA SEQUATUR (Fortune follows) surmounted by an arm holding a bent bow.
 


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