Siege of Rouen (1591–1592) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Rouen
Part of the French War of Religion (1587–1594) and the Anglo–Spanish War
Date 11 November 1591 – 20 April 1592 Location Rouen, Normandy, Kingdom of France (present-day Upper Normandy, France) 49°26′34″N 1°05′19″E / 49.4428°N 1.0886°E / 49.4428; 1.0886 Result Spanish-Catholic victory
Belligerents
Henry of Navarre  England United Provinces	Catholic League Army of Flanders
Commanders and leaders
Henry of Navarre Baron de Biron Robert Devereux	André de Brancas Duke of Parma Carlos Coloma

The Siege of Rouen was a major battle for the city of Rouen in France. It happened between November 1591 and April 1592. This fight was part of bigger conflicts like the French Wars of Religion and the Anglo–Spanish War.

Why Was Rouen So Important?

Rouen was a very important city in Normandy, France. It was a big trading center. Capturing it would give a lot of power to whoever controlled it.

Who Was Fighting?

The main leader trying to take Rouen was Henry IV of France. He was the king of France, but many people didn't accept him. This was because Henry was a Huguenot, which meant he was a Protestant. Most people in France were Catholic.

• Henry IV's Side:
  • French forces loyal to Henry IV
  • Soldiers from the Kingdom of England
  • Troops from the United Provinces (modern-day Netherlands)

• The Other Side:
  • The Catholic League, a group of French Catholics who didn't want a Protestant king.
  • Spanish forces from the Army of Flanders, who were helping the Catholic League.

How the Siege Began

The siege started on November 11, 1591. Henry IV's forces surrounded Rouen. One of the English commanders, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, even challenged the city's governor, André de Brancas, to a one-on-one fight. This was a old-fashioned way of showing bravery.

The Battle for Rouen

The city of Rouen was defended by the Catholic League, led by André de Brancas. Spanish troops, led by Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, came to help them.

Henry IV's combined forces tried hard to break through Rouen's defenses. But the city held strong. The arrival of the Spanish army made things very difficult for Henry.

The End of the Siege

The Spanish forces were very strong. They managed to defeat Henry IV's army. Henry realized he couldn't win the siege. On April 20, 1592, he decided to stop the attack and pull his troops away. This meant the siege was lifted, and Rouen remained under the control of the Catholic League and their Spanish allies.

See also

• Siege of Paris (1590)
• Battle of Craon
• War of the Three Henrys
• Eighty Years' War
• French Wars of Religion