Unlike many battlefields, Waterloo become something of a relic hunt for the general population. Nick Koulkes writes about the huge business in "Waterloo Relics" that existed after the battle. Not only was there wide-spread looting after the battle, but the British made a fetish of finding equipment and bones from the battle.

Thousands of pounds were made off of Waterloo souvenirs. Nick Foulkes in his 'social history of Waterloo', Dancing into Battle gives some fascinating qoutes of English women and men,, including Lady Eaton, visiting the battlefield a month after the battle. While shocked at the bodies still visible, They felt no qualms about picking up broken swords and grape shot or putting ashes in paper scrapes blowing around the field, ashes from the still burning pits filled with the dead. Having a skull or bones, a cartridge case and other battlefield relics were displayed with pride the front room of many British homes.

From the sounds of it, Waterloo is one of the most picked-over battlefield of the period...which kind of limits the forensic possibilities now...

Bill