Siege and Relief of Leiden
Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
What happened
The Dutch city of Leiden, led by Mayor Pieter van der Werff, held out against a Spanish army under Francisco de Valdez, until William of Orange and Admiral Louis de Boisot came to its rescue. During the Dutch revolt against Spain, a Spanish army surrounded Leiden, and its people ran short of food. William of Orange had the dikes broken to flood the countryside, and a fleet of flat-bottomed boats set out to sail across the fields to the city. When the boats got stuck, a strong westerly wind raised the water, and on 3 October 1574 they reached Leiden as the Spanish left.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The city was saved without a great battle, by water and wind. As a reward for the city's courage, William of Orange founded Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands.
What came next
Leiden University was founded in 1575. The city has celebrated its relief every 3 October ever since.
Did you know?
On 3 October Leiden gives out free herring and white bread, and people eat hutspot, a carrot and onion stew.
Timeline
- October 1573The Spanish begin the siege of Leiden.
- August 1574William of Orange orders the dikes breached to flood the land.
- 3 October 1574The relief fleet reaches Leiden; the siege ends.
- 1575Leiden University is founded.