Restoration work continues on a daily basis on St. Helena in the fight to preserve the home of the exiled former Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte. The British exiled the general following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The cult of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of France's most famous generals, continues to attract tourists to the island of St. Helena in the Atlantic Ocean. Located on the remote island is Longwood House, the last home of Napoleon -- and his 28 strong entourage - following his exile by the British after defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.

Today, his former residence is being kept in good order for visiting tourists.

Michel Dancoisne-Martineau, curator of Longwood House, said, "There is metal in the floor and metal in the wall, so all of this needs to be restored. We will restore the flooring, the walls and the roof."

At Longwood House Napoleon spent his final days telling his life story to his compatriots.

Longwood House, the last home of Napoleon

Although Saint Helena island is a British territory, Longwood House remains a French enclave. Napoleon preferred to remain in the house during his exile.

Michel Dancoisne-Martineau said, "In fact, it's a man who held onto his past, which included his title of Emperor of the French. On the other hand, the British recognized him as General Bonaparte only. There was no compromise on either side of this, so this house was the only way for Napoleon to escape this conflict of interests."

Peepholes made in the shutters by Napoleon are a testament to his desire to keep an eye on the 3,000-strong British garrison.

Visitors today perceive Napoleon as anything from a chauvinist, to a nationalist, to a romantic.

Michel Dancoisne-Martineau said, "No two visitors come to Saint Helena for the same reason. They all come with a pre-conceived idea about what they want to find."

Longwood House, the last home of Napoleon

Tourists have varying views on his exile as well.

Simon Green, visitor, said, "Under house arrest with all his own people around him is a very different perception to how he could have been treated. This isn't Robben Island or anywhere like that."

Today, Napoleon's life story lives on thanks to on-going tours of Longwood House, where Napoleon died in 1821. And nearly 200 years after his death, his legend lives on in Saint Helena's Jamestown, as well as around the world.

(CNTV April 18, 2012)