Which farmhouse was the key defensive point at the centre of Wellington's line?

La Haye Sainte was the farmhouse that formed a key defensive point at the centre of Wellington’s line at Waterloo. Positioned beside the Charleroi–Brussels road and in front of the main ridge, it guarded an important approach into the Allied centre.

Wellington placed the 2nd Light Battalion of the King’s German Legion in the farm complex. Roughly 400 German troops defended its walls, orchard, garden, and buildings against repeated French attacks. Their position exposed French formations advancing toward the ridge and helped anchor the centre of the Allied army.

The garrison held out for most of the battle, despite fierce assaults and dwindling ammunition. French troops finally captured La Haye Sainte in the early evening, but the delay had cost Napoleon valuable time. The farmhouse is often confused with Hougoumont, another famous strongpoint on Wellington’s right, or with Papelotte and Smohain, which protected the Allied left. La Haye Sainte’s fall weakened the centre but came too late to secure a French victory.