Nicolaas Zannekin facts for kids

Nicolaas Zannekin (died August 23, 1328) was a Flemish farmer who became a leader in a big peasant revolt in Flanders. This revolt happened between 1323 and 1328.

Nicolaas Zannekin was a wealthy farmer from a place called Lampernisse. In the early 1300s, he led a rebellion in coastal Flanders. This revolt was against the Count of Flanders, Louis of Nevers, who had very unfair tax rules.

Why Did People Revolt?

The people of Flanders were tired of the heavy taxes imposed by Count Louis. These taxes made life very hard for farmers and common people. Nicolaas Zannekin stepped up to lead them in their fight for fairer treatment.

Zannekin's Early Successes

Zannekin and his followers were very successful at first. They managed to capture several important towns. These included Nieuwpoort, Veurne, Ypres, and Kortrijk. In Kortrijk, Zannekin even managed to capture Count Louis himself! This was a huge victory for the rebels.

Challenges and French Intervention

However, not all their plans worked. In 1325, Zannekin's forces tried to capture the cities of Gent and Oudenaarde, but they failed. The King of France, Charles IV, then stepped in to help Count Louis.

King Charles IV helped arrange a peace agreement called the Peace of Arques. As part of this agreement, Count Louis was set free in February 1326. For a short time, things seemed to calm down.

The Final Battle

In 1328, the fighting started again. Count Louis had to flee to France once more. He managed to convince the new King of France, Philip VI of France, to come to his rescue.

King Philip VI brought a powerful French army to Flanders. Zannekin and his followers faced this army in the Battle of Cassel (1328). Sadly, the French royal army was too strong. Zannekin and his rebels were completely defeated in this battle. Nicolaas Zannekin himself was killed during the fight.