Middelburg, Veere, Serooskerke

The Eighty Years' War left its mark on Walcheren. Today we will go in search of places that remind us of the battle fought here, in the sixteenth century, between the Spaniards and the Beggars, and discover what exactly took place in the area between, now so peaceful, Veere and Vrouwenpolder.

During the Eighty Years' War, William of Orange fervently hoped for a revolt from the people. The capture of Den Briel on 1 April 1572 was a fluke. The city was only taken by the Beggars (Orangists) because the Spaniards were not present.

On 6 April 1572, his wish for revolt came true on the island of Walcheren. The residents of Vlissingen do not want to shelter any more Spanish troops in the city. The angry mob manages to drive the Spaniards out of the city with the help of the Beggars.

In the north of Walcheren, the fishermen from Veere also fancy a revolt. They have had a bad year and do not want Spanish soldiers in their town either. The fishermen see an opportunity to take one of the most important armouries in the Netherlands. This building for storing ammunition and artillery, including two thousand naval cannons, had been placed in Veere a few years earlier. Good booty, then. With the help of the Geuzen, Veere was finally taken on 3 May 1572.

To really gain the upper hand on Walcheren, the Geuzen must also capture centrally located Middelburg. This town grew into an important port and trading centre in the 16th century. However, Middelburg is a Spanish stronghold and is defended by the Spaniards at all costs. This is the start of the Siege of Middelburg between 1572-1574.

During this period, both sides attack each other back and forth. At the end of April 1572, for instance, some 1,100 Beggars, led by Jerome Tseraert, stormed Middelburg. The attack failed and they were forced to retreat a day later.

On 7 May 1572, troops of the Duke of Alva arrived on the beach near Breezand in Vrouwenpolder. Within two hours, 1,000 Spanish soldiers march towards Middelburg. A day later, they capture nearby Arnemuiden from the Geuzen. The town is badly damaged and 400 are killed.

After the takeover, the Spaniards come daily from Middelburg and Arnemuiden to the city walls of Veere. The Geuzen only just manage to repel the attacks and keep the Spaniards out of the town.

Because the fortified towns were difficult to capture, the battle was mainly fought in the countryside. On 4 November 1572, for example, some 1,500 Beggars appeared at Westhove castle. The castle, which gave shelter to the Catholic bishop Nicolas de Castro before the siege, was captured, looted and then set on fire.

The attacks continue in 1573 as well. The Geuzen conquer almost all of Walcheren and cut off all trade routes to Middelburg. This causes ever-increasing food shortages within Middelburg's city walls. By Christmas, the food shortage is so acute that 1,500 civilians and soldiers die.

By now, everything somewhat edible has been eaten, even pets. Money is also running out. The Spanish colonel Christobal de Mondragon, who has to defend Middelburg, sees no choice but to end the siege of Middelburg. On 4 February 1574, negotiations start between William of Orange and the Spanish colonel at Fort Rammekens.

After some threats back and forth, including the Spanish colonel setting fire to the whole of Middelburg, the peace treaty was signed on 19 February 1574. All Spanish soldiers and the Catholic clergy were allowed to leave Middelburg. After the fall of Middelburg in 1574, all of Walcheren is in Orange hands.

This premium route was compiled by our editor: Elwin Croeze