Gordon Monument facts for kids
The Gordon Monument is a special monument built in a classic style. It honors a brave soldier who died on the famous Waterloo battlefield. This soldier was Sir Alexander Gordon (1786–1815).
His family built the monument in 1817. One of his brothers, Lord Aberdeen, later became a Prime Minister!
The monument looks like a column that has been broken off, called a colonne brisée in French. You reach it by climbing a set of steps. A British architect named John Buonarotti Papworth designed it. It was made from a type of limestone called Belgian blue stone, or pierre bleue.
At the bottom, the monument has special carvings and words. These include the badge of the Scots Guards, which was Gordon's army group. Their motto is Nemo me impune lacessit, which means "No one provokes me with impunity."
Contents
Where is the Gordon Monument?
You can find the Gordon Monument on the edge of two towns in Belgium: Braine-l'Alleud and Lasne. The historic area where the Battle of Waterloo happened is managed by these towns and Waterloo.
There are other interesting monuments on the Waterloo battlefield too. One is for the King's German Legion, built in 1818, close to the Gordon Monument.
Keeping the Monument Safe
The Gordon Monument has been repaired a few times over the years. These repairs are even written on the monument itself! The most recent work was in 2012. This was done to get the battlefield ready for the 200th anniversary of the battle.
Belgium started protecting the battlefield in 1914. Today, the region of Wallonia looks after its heritage sites. They are even thinking about getting international protection from UNESCO.
Special Protection in Wallonia
The Gordon Monument is called an "English monument" in Wallonia's heritage list. It's part of the Patrimoine culturel immobilier classé de la Wallonie. This is a special list of protected buildings and sites in Wallonia. The whole battlefield is also protected as an "exceptional" heritage site.
Global Protection from UNESCO
Belgium has asked UNESCO to consider the Waterloo battlefield for World Heritage status. This means it would be recognized as important to the whole world. The application mentions the "Gordon column" as part of this important site.
Images for kids
-
The column itself.
-
A closer look at the top of the column.
-
A decorative part called an ornament.
