Souvenirs from Battle of Waterloo found at Sir Walter Scott's home in Scotland

Edinburgh, June 16 : Four souvenirs from the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 have been found at the famous Scottish historical novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott's home at Abbotsford in Scotland.

According to a report in The Scotsman, Scott had set off for the scene of the Battle of Waterloo as soon as he heard of Napoleon's defeat at the hands of the Allies in 1815.

Along with a poem based on the testimonies of soldiers, Scott also returned to Scotland with four flags he retrieved from the Belgian battlefield.

But, their existence has largely been kept secret as they were hidden away at his famous Borders home, Abbotsford, where he wrote some of his most famous works.

Now, plans to put the souvenirs on display are now being drawn up after they were found in a search of Abbotsford by a new trust which has taken over its running.

The banners - one French and three British - had been stored in a cupboard between Scott's study and his library, according to Larry Furlong, custodian of the trust.

According to Jacquie Wright, executive member of the trust, "These banners were collected by Scott himself when he visited the field of battle, and he also subsequently met and dined with the Duke of Wellington."

It is believed only a handful of people have been aware of their existence since they were brought to Abbotsford.

"The banners are obviously extremely rare indeed and aren't in a great condition," said Furlong. "They may need some restoration work before they go on display for the first time," he added.

Plans are now being drawn up to put the flags on public display along with the existing treasure-trove of artefacts at Abbotsford, including famous Scottish folk hero Rob Roy's broad-sword, sporran and gun, and an 18th-century clock owned by Marie Antoinette.

ANI