Battle of Heiligerlee (1568) facts for kids

The Battle of Heiligerlee was a very important fight that happened on May 23, 1568, in a place called Heiligerlee in Groningen. This battle was between Dutch rebels and the Spanish army. It was the first time the Dutch rebels won a major battle during the long Eighty Years' War.

The Battle of Heiligerlee

This battle was a key moment at the start of the Eighty Years' War, which was a big fight for independence in the Netherlands. The Dutch rebels wanted to be free from Spanish rule.

Why the Battle Happened

The Groningen area was part of the Spanish Netherlands. A rebel army decided to invade this area. Their goal was to start a rebellion against the Spanish rulers. They hoped to get people to join their fight for freedom.

Who Was Involved?

The rebel army had about 3,900 foot soldiers and 200 horse riders. They were led by two brothers, Louis of Nassau and Adolf of Nassau. These brothers were also related to William I of Orange, a very famous leader of the Dutch rebellion.

The Spanish army was led by Johan de Ligne, who was the governor of Friesland. His army had about 3,200 foot soldiers and only 20 horse riders.

How the Battle Unfolded

Battle of Heiligerlee 1568

At first, Johan de Ligne tried to avoid fighting. He was waiting for more soldiers to arrive. But on May 23, Adolf of Nassau's horse riders managed to trick him. They lured the Spanish army into a trap near a monastery in Heiligerlee.

Louis of Nassau's foot soldiers were the main part of the rebel army. They fought bravely and defeated the Spanish forces. The Spanish army lost 460 men. The rebel army had fewer losses, with about 50 soldiers dead or wounded. Sadly, Adolf of Nassau was among those who died in the battle. The rebels also managed to capture seven cannons from the Spanish.

What Happened Next?

Even though the rebels won this battle, they didn't manage to capture any cities right away. Soon after, they faced another battle at Battle of Jemmingen, where they were defeated.

A National Hero

Adolf of Nassau's death in this battle is remembered in the Dutch national anthem. The fourth verse mentions him:

Graef Adolff is ghebleven, In Vriesland in den slaech,

This means: "Count Adolf has died, in Friesland, in the battle."

See also

Learn more in Spanish

• In Spanish: Batalla de Heiligerlee para niños