Lochem, Laren, Almen

As you cycle through the varied hilly landscape of Lochem and its environs today, realise that 400 years ago this was teeming with Spanish mercenaries led by Francisco Verdugo, the Spanish stadholder of Groningen and Friesland. We write 1581 and the Netherlands was occupied by the Spanish at that time during the Eighty Years' War. Today, the term Dutch Revolt is more commonly used to refer to this period - for it was not a continuous war, but rather a series of conflicts.

At the time, the Netherlands was under the rule of the Catholic Spanish king Philip II, who was determined to quell the rise of Protestantism. Because Philip II regularly behaved like a tyrant, the authorities of the northern Dutch regions revolted. By signing the Plakkaat van Verlatinghe, the first declaration of independence and forerunner of the Constitution, their representatives released themselves from their allegiance to the king.

Philip II was furious and he organised a campaign. Cities had to be brought back under his rule as soon as possible. Fransisco Verdugo was appointed and after a few successful reconquests in Drenthe and Overijssel, he arrived in County Zuthpen. There, the siege of Lochem began on 22 July 1582. The demand for surrender was boldly rejected by the commanders in Lochem, but that did not bother Verdugo. He decided to starve the town and constructed entrenchments made of faggots and turf. He did this in places where artillery would have the most effect. After 400 years, this can still be seen when cycling on Koedijk, near Enkweg. A raised section along the edge of the small but wooded area.

During the Eighty Years' War, the Statesmen were a group of rebels fiercely opposed to Spanish rule. They were led by the then States General (the rebellious northern assembly). These insurgents managed to supply the town of Lochem twice, as their allies, who were stationed in Lochem, were able to push back the Spanish army. Due to circumstances, some time later, Verdugo had the chance to invade Lochem devastatingly. But he feared a stratagem. In doing so, it was important that strategically located Lochem was taken intact. The town could then continue to function directly as a supply stronghold from Westphalia. He remained committed to starving Lochem's inhabitants.

Conditions in Lochem deteriorated in the months that followed. Inside the city walls, the population had already started eating their horses. Water was drunk from the highly polluted canals. Fortunately, on 24 September 1582, there was the State army of Count Philip of Hohenlohe-Neuenstein and Willem Lodewijk of Nassau-Dillenburg. They took with them 5,000 soldiers and 2,500 horsemen, along with a huge supply of food for the Lochem population. At Wildenborch castle, the Spaniards had already made up their minds at the sight of this display of power. Hohenlohe built a bulwark (a defensive structure) and gained access to Lochem with his men. There he built a bridge over the town moat. At night, he secretly evacuated Lochem's citizens and had soldiers take their place. The Relief of Lochem had begun. In the morning, Hohenlohe attacked Verdugo and his Spanish mercenaries, after which they withdrew for good via the Lochem mountain. Leaving behind a trail of destruction and plundering, Verdugo headed towards Grol (present-day Groenlo).

Residents of Lochem are also known as 'Hay Pickers'. Barely eight years after the Relief of Lochem, the Spaniards tried again. They had hidden in hay carts that were driven into the town. Children were traditionally allowed to pick some hay from wagons standing under the town gate for their pets. This was also done by Jan, the gatekeeper's son. He came across the boot of a hidden Spaniard and shouted, "Treachery, treachery, the Spaniard is in town!"
After the ensuing fierce battle, involving hundreds of soldiers on both sides, the Spaniards again lost the battle against Lochem. Opposite cafë H2O you will find the statue of the Hay Picker, commemorating that event.

Ruin Nettelhorst, visible from a distance when you've crossed the Berkel, east of Lochem, suffered greatly during the Eighty Years' War. After that, it fell into disrepair. Here too, the attacks on Lochem echoed for a long time.

In 1615, almost the whole of Lochem went up in devastating flames. Ironically, not because of war, but negligence while brewing beer. Mrs Eefsse Tonhues had briefly walked away while drying germinated grain into malt. This goodness started brewing and eventually caught fire. Only St Gudula's Church (and some now no longer existing houses) survived the fierce fire reasonably well and is therefore the only monument to have survived the Eighty Years' War and further ravages of time.


This Premium cycle route was compiled by our editor: Martin van Rhee.