Siege of Groenlo (1672) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Groenlo
Part of the Franco-Dutch War
Map of Grol's fortifications, restored after the siege of 1627. J.Blaeu
Date 1–10 June 1672 Location Groenlo, Gelderland 52°02′31″N 6°36′58″E / 52.042°N 6.616°E / 52.042; 6.616 Result Franco-Münster victory Surrender of Groenlo
Belligerents
Dutch Republic	France Cologne Münster
Commanders and leaders
Gustaff Tungel	Bernhard von Galen
Strength
600	100,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Siege of Groenlo was a short but important battle that happened in the Dutch town of Groenlo. It lasted for 10 days, from June 1 to June 10, 1672. During this time, a large army from France, the Electorate of Cologne, and the Prince-Bishopric of Münster attacked the town. Groenlo was defended by Dutch soldiers. The siege ended when the Dutch defenders surrendered. This event was part of a larger conflict known as the Franco-Dutch War.

The Attack on Groenlo

In 1672, a secret agreement called the Treaty of Dover was made. France, England, the Prince-Bishop of Münster, and the Archbishop of Cologne secretly agreed to go to war against the Dutch Republic. This agreement allowed French troops to move through lands belonging to Münster and Cologne. This way, they could avoid Dutch defenses in the south and attack the Netherlands from the east.

Invading the Dutch Republic

On June 1, 1672, Bernhard von Galen, who was the Bishop of Münster, led his army into the Netherlands. His forces quickly captured several towns, including Enschede, Almelo, and Borculo. Then, they began to attack Groenlo. French and Cologne soldiers soon joined them, making the attacking force very large.

Groenlo's Defenses and Surrender

Groenlo was a well-prepared town. It had plenty of food and 22 cannons on new gun-carriages. About 600 Dutch soldiers defended the town. These soldiers were led by Lieutenant-Colonel Gustaff Tungel. Groenlo also had strong walls and a moat (a deep ditch filled with water) that had worked well in an earlier siege in 1627.

However, the attacking army was enormous, with over 100,000 soldiers. Groenlo's small force was greatly outnumbered. Because of this, the town could only hold out for 10 days. After Groenlo surrendered, the attacking forces moved on to other cities like Deventer. This year, 1672, became known as the 'Rampjaar' (Disaster Year) for the Dutch Republic because of all the attacks.

After taking Groenlo, the Bishop of Münster's troops destroyed the most important parts of the town's defenses. They stayed in Groenlo until 1674.