Lord Uxbridge's leg

Lord Uxbridge's Leg refers to the famous incident involving Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, known as Lord Uxbridge, during the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815. Lord Uxbridge was a British Army officer who played a significant role in the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. The incident and its aftermath became notable in medical history, military history, and the cultural memory of the Napoleonic Wars.

Background

Henry Paget, later known as Lord Uxbridge, was a prominent British military figure. Before the Battle of Waterloo, he had already established himself as a capable cavalry leader. The battle was a decisive confrontation between Napoleon's French army and the allied forces under the command of the Duke of Wellington, with Lord Uxbridge commanding the British cavalry.

The Incident

During the late stages of the Battle of Waterloo, Lord Uxbridge was hit by a cannonball, which resulted in a severe injury to his right leg. Recognizing the gravity of his wound, he is famously quoted as saying to the Duke of Wellington, "By God, sir, I've lost my leg!" to which Wellington reportedly replied, "By God, sir, so you have!" Following this, Uxbridge's leg was amputated above the knee.

Aftermath and Legacy

The amputation of Lord Uxbridge's leg is notable for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the early recorded uses of a tourniquet to control bleeding during surgery. Secondly, the leg itself became a point of fascination and was buried with full military honors in the grounds of the Hougoumont farm, a key location during the battle.

Following the amputation, Lord Uxbridge was fitted with one of the early examples of a fully articulated prosthetic leg, which was a significant advancement in prosthetic technology at the time. This prosthetic allowed him a degree of mobility that was remarkable for the era.

The story of Lord Uxbridge's leg has been commemorated in various ways. The Anglesey Leg, as his prosthetic came to be known, is an early example of the advancements in prosthetic limbs that have continued to evolve to this day. The incident has been covered in literature, documentaries, and is a part of the lore surrounding the Battle of Waterloo.

Cultural Impact

The tale of Lord Uxbridge's leg has transcended its historical significance to become a part of British folklore. It symbolizes the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers and has been referenced in various cultural works over the years. The story also highlights the advancements in medical and prosthetic technology of the time.

See Also

• Battle of Waterloo
• Prosthetic Limb
• Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey
• Duke of Wellington