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Why did Wellington choose the ridge south of Mont-Saint-Jean as his defensive position?

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Historical battle map showing troop positions at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, near Brussels, Belgium. Red lines represent Anglo-Dutch infantry and cavalry under Wellington, positioned north of French forces. Blue lines show French infantry and cavalry under Napoleon, with both armies facing each other across a central road. Key locations like Chateau de Goumont (Hougoumont) and Plancenoit are labeled, and an inset map highlights the location within present-day Belgium and Europe. — Battle of Waterloo Battle of Waterloo, June 18, 1815.

The Duke of Wellington chose the ridge south of Mont-Saint-Jean for his defensive position at the Battle of Waterloo because it offered significant tactical advantages that maximized his defensive capabilities against Napoleon’s forces.1

The site consisted of two low ridges separated by a narrow valley. Wellington’s position along the crest of the northern ridge provided several key benefits:

Natural Cover: The ridge featured an unpaved road lined with thick hedges, which provided excellent cover for his troops.1
Reverse Slope Tactics: By placing the majority of his infantry on the reverse slope of the ridge, Wellington effectively sheltered his men from the devastating impact of French artillery fire.1
Strategic Outposts: He bolstered the natural strength of the position by utilizing two critical advance posts located in front of his main line: the château at Hougoumont and the farm at La Haye Sainte. These positions forced the French to commit resources to secondary engagements and helped restrict the front on which the French could attack.1

By expertly utilizing this terrain, Wellington was able to hold his ground against a numerically superior French army.1