Waterloo Study Resources

Below are some highlights of sources related to Waterloo that can be found in the University of Glasgow collections.

University of Glasgow Library and Special Collections

A visit to Flanders, in July, 1815, being chiefly an account of the field of Waterloo: with a short sketch of Antwerp and Brussels by James Simpson. (Reference: Sp Coll NO.7.10)

Guide to the model of the Battle of Waterloo : [now exhibited at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly] by William Siborne. (Reference: Library Research Annexe BG33-h.4)

Journal of a tour to Waterloo and Paris, in company with Sir Walter Scott in 1815 by the late John Scott, Esq. (Reference: Library Research Annexe T3-f.27)

National gratitude : a sermon, preached at Currie on the 18th June 1819, the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, when a collection was made in aid of the fund for erecting the proposed monumental church in Edinburgh, to commemorate that important victory by the Rev. John Somerville, A.M. minister of Currie. (Reference: Library Research Annexe Y3-k.7)

Personal recollections of the Waterloo campaign: in a series of letters to his grand-children by Lieutenant Frederick Hope Pattison. (Reference: Sp Coll Mu11-c.11 and Sp Coll Mu14-b.24)

Narrative of a residence in Belgium during the campaign of 1815 : and of a visit to the field of Waterloo by an Englishwoman [Charlotte Anne Eaton / Jane Waldie Watts]. (Reference: Sp Coll e.4.28)

Notes on the battle of Waterloo: with a brief memoir of his life and services, and plan for the defence of Canada by Lieutenant-General Shaw Kennedy. (Reference: History LN944 KEN)

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

Napoleon on the Isle of Elba, bronze medal. (Reference: GLAHM 16285)

Battles of Neiuwpoort 1600 and Waterloo 1815 medals (Reference: GLAHM 18893 and GLAHM 18894)

Wellington pattern ceramic jugs (Reference: GLAHM 112970 and GLAHM 138235)

“The Field of Waterloo” mezzotint (Reference: GLAHA 17203)

The University Archive

Learn more about the University of Glasgow during the Napoleonic period by exploring the University Archive, which includes the following records: 

A Roll of the Graduates of the University of Glasgow from 31 December 1727 to 31 December 1897 by W Innes Addison (available in search room library) 

The Matriculation Albums of the University of Glasgow from 1728 to 1858 by W Innes Addison (available in the search room library)

Memories of the Old College of Glasgow by D Murray (available in the search room library) 

A History of the University of Glasgow from its foundation in 1451 to 1909 by JA Coutts (available in the search room library)

Records of the University of Glasgow Clerk’s Press: Many of the oldest records of the University, including minutes of meetings of the Senate, Faculty, Comitia and Faculty of Arts, general registers of the University, 17th century household accounts, Factor's accounts, writs, statutes, legal documents and case papers, lists of office-bearers, registers of students, records of visitations of the University, bursary records, Library records and records relating to the University's estates. (Reference: GB0248 GUA Clerk’s Press)

Records of the University of Glasgow Senate: managing the academic life of the University, the Senate minutes record the University’s actions to assist staff and students joining up for active service.  (Reference: GB0248 GUA SEN) 

Discovering further resources at the University of Glasgow

The University’s collections can be discovered using a number of online search systems:

Each of these search systems offers a number of ways to discover the items held, so you may want to tailor your search for particular themes, individuals, organisations or dates. 

For a more specific search, use more focused search terms: ‘Waterloo’,  other battles, or the names of particular individuals or regiments. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for a particular type of record, such as letters or diaries, you can combine a search for ‘letter’, ‘diary’, ‘correspondence’ with the dates you are interested in, ‘1799-1815’.

Detailed descriptions of the collections held across the University are not always accessible online.  Staff will be happy to advise on the best methods of discovering collections, so please do not hesitate to contact us.