The Napoleon Cellar, tucked away beneath the bustling shop at No. 3 St. James’s Street, is a hidden gem steeped in history. While today it hosts grand feasts and intimate wine tastings, this underground space was once a secret meeting place for a man destined for greatness: Louis-Napoléon III, nephew of the legendary Napoleon I.
A Legacy in the Making
Louis-Napoléon’s life was marked by exile and ambition. Following his uncle’s defeat at Waterloo, he was forced to flee France with his mother. However, upon the death of his uncle’s brother, Louis-Napoléon became heir to the Bonaparte dynasty and harbored dreams of reclaiming his family’s lost power. His belief in his own destiny was evident in his own words: “I believe that from time to time, men are created […] in whose hands are placed the destiny of their countries. I believe I am one of those men.”
This conviction led him to attempt a coup in 1836, which failed miserably. A subsequent attempt to seize the throne in 1840 resulted in imprisonment. It seemed his dreams of fulfilling his “mission” were destined to remain unfulfilled.
A Haven in London
Undeterred, Louis-Napoléon escaped imprisonment in 1846 and fled to Britain. He settled just a short walk from Berry Bros. & Rudd, in a grand townhouse on King Street, surrounded by a small retinue of 17 staff. However, his presence in England was not without its anxieties. During the tumultuous period of Chartist riots, he was deemed a potential target and was encouraged to join the special constables defending St. James’s Palace. It was during this time that he forged a friendship with George Berry, a second-generation wine merchant at Berry Bros. & Rudd.
Fearful of assassination, Louis-Napoléon sought refuge in the cellars beneath the shop at No. 3 St. James’s Street. This subterranean space provided a safe haven for him to strategize his return to France and regain power. He used the cellars to meet with his allies, draft public statements, and formulate his political strategy.
The cellars at No. 3 St. James’s Street also played a role in Louis-Napoléon’s daily life. As a frequent visitor to Berry Bros. & Rudd, he often took part in a tradition of the time: being weighed on the shop’s giant coffee scales. His weight, recorded as 10 stone 8 lbs, fluctuated during his two years in Britain, increasing by a notable 4 lbs.
A Shadow of Suspicion
Louis-Napoléon’s paranoia was well-documented. One journalist, Sherer, editor of The London Standard, described a meeting with the future Emperor, noting his constant anxiety: “During the whole time I was at work Napoleon never once left my side. Suspecting all, trusting none, even at this period in his career, he evidently thought that were he to turn his back, I should pocket one of his copies.”
The Road to Power
Fate intervened in 1848, as France descended into another revolution. This upheaval provided the perfect opportunity for Louis-Napoléon to return to his homeland unimpeded. He was swiftly declared President of the Second Republic, marking the first time a president was elected by popular vote.
His political journey continued, culminating in his coronation as Emperor. Under his reign, Paris underwent a dramatic transformation, with Baron Haussmann’s public works creating the grand avenues, parks, and squares that define the city today. His influence extended beyond urban planning. It was Emperor Napoleon III who requested a cataloguing system for the finest Bordeaux wines in 1855, creating the renowned classification system that still shapes the wine world.
A Legacy Lives On
The Napoleon Cellar at Berry Bros. & Rudd stands as a testament to Louis-Napoléon’s time in London. His secret meetings and strategic planning within these underground chambers paved the way for his rise to power. Today, the cellar continues to hold its own legacy, hosting lavish meals and intimate wine tastings, a reminder of the remarkable history that unfolded within its walls.
To learn more about the rich history of Berry Bros. & Rudd, and to experience the Napoleon Cellar firsthand, visit their website or attend one of their exclusive dining events.
