Siege of Huy (1595) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Siege of Huy (1595)

Part of the Eighty Years' War, the Luxemburg campaigns and the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604)

Engraving Siege of Huy by Frans Hogenberg. Collection Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.

Date	March 7–20, 1595
Location	Huy, Prince-Bishopric of Liège (present-day Belgium)
Result	Spanish victory

Belligerents

United Provinces

England

Huguenots

Spanish Empire

Commanders and leaders

Charles de Héraugière

Baron de la Motte

Strength

1,800

Unknown

The Siege of Huy in 1595 was a battle that took place in the town of Huy, which is now part of Belgium. It happened between March 7 and March 20, 1595. This event was part of two bigger conflicts: the Eighty Years' War and the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604). In the end, the Spanish forces won the battle.

Taking Over Huy
After the Battle
- Impact on the Town
- Why Huy Was Important
See also

Taking Over Huy

Even though Prince Maurice of Orange had promised to send help, the town of Huy was captured. The new leader of the Spanish Netherlands, Don Pedro Henríquez de Acevedo, sent his forces. These forces were led by Don Valentín Pardieu de la Motte.

The Battle Begins

After a short fight, the Spanish forces took control of Huy and its citadel. They defeated the combined Protestant troops led by Charles de Héraugière.

Surrender of Huy

Thirteen days later, on March 20, Héraugière realized his troops could not defend the town any longer. He agreed to surrender to the Spanish forces.

Who Fought?

The Spanish army included two groups of soldiers called tercios. These were led by Don Luis de Velasco and Don Antonio de Zúñiga. They also had German and Walloon regiments, plus cannons.

The Protestant forces had about 1,800 Dutch soldiers, both infantry (foot soldiers) and cavalry (soldiers on horseback). This group also included a regiment of Scots led by General Barthold Balfour, and a group of Huguenots (French Protestants).

After the Battle

Huy was supposed to be a neutral zone during the war. This meant it should not have been involved in the fighting. However, during the time Héraugière's Protestant forces occupied the town, the people of Huy faced many difficulties.

Impact on the Town

Some churches and many homes in Huy were damaged or had things taken from them. After their victory, the Spanish forces left Huy on March 23. They left Captain Juan de Zornoza and 150 Spanish soldiers to guard the citadel of Huy. These soldiers stayed until the defenses could be fixed and the local army of Prince-Elector, Ernest of Bavaria could return.

Why Huy Was Important

The Protestant forces, led by the United Provinces, had taken over Huy. This was a problem because Huy was a neutral area. Their plan was to use Huy as a good spot to help French troops. These French troops, led by the Duke of Bouillon, were operating near Luxembourg. But the Spanish victory stopped this plan.

Siege of Huy (1595) facts for kids

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