Capture of Brielle

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Dutch Revolt
partof=


caption=
date=April 1, 1572
place=Brill, The Netherlands
casus=
territory=
result=Decisive Dutch Victory
combatant1=Dutch Rebels
combatant2=Spain
commander1=William van der MarckElliot, p. 139]
commander2=None
strength1=600 Soldiers
25 Ships
strength2=None
casualties1=None
casualties2=None
notes=The Capture of Brielle by the Sea Beggars, or Watergeuzen, on 1 April 1572 marked a turning point in the uprising of the Low Countries against Spain in the Eighty Years' War. Militarily the success was minor, as Brielle was not being defended at the time. It did, however, provide the first foothold on land for the rebels at a time when the rebellion was all but crushed, and it offered the sign for a new revolt throughout the Netherlands. Over the next years the decision of the northern provinces to join the rebels would form the beginning of the Dutch Republic.

Overview

The Sea Beggars were led by William van der Marck, Lord of Lumey. After they were expelled from England, they needed a place to shelter their 25 ships. As they sailed towards Brill, they were surprised to find out that the Spanish garrison had left in order to deal with trouble in Utrecht. On the evening of April 1, the 600 men sacked the undefended port. As they were preparing the leave, one of the men said there was no reason they should leave where they were. [Elliott, p. 140] After the capture a number of Catholic monks and priests were executed without a trial, the so-called "martyrs of Gorcum", who were later canonized.

Citations

References

*cite book |title=Europe Divided, 1559-1598 |edition=2nd |last=Elliott |first=John Huxtable |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=2000 |publisher=Blackwell Publishing |location=Oxford |isbn=0631217800