Battle of Heiligerlee

The Battle of Heiligerlee in Friesland on 23 May,1568 was part of the Eighty Years' War.

Related Topics:
Friesland - 23 May - 1568 - Eighty Years' War

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The Friesland province was invaded by an army consisting of 3,900 infantry led by Louis of Nassau and 200 cavalry led by Adolf of Nassau. Both were brothers of William I of Orange.

Related Topics:
Friesland - Province - Louis of Nassau - Adolf of Nassau - William I of Orange

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The Stadtholder of Friesland and also Duke of Aremberg, Johan de Ligne, had an army of 3,200 infantry and 20 cavalry.

Related Topics:
Stadtholder - Johan de Ligne

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Aremberg initially avoided confrontation, awaiting reinforcements. However on 23 May 1568 Adolf lured him to an ambush by Louis at the monastery of Heiligerlee. The ambush worked. The defending force lost 1,500?2,000 men, while the invading force lost 50 men, including Adolf. The rebels captured 7 cannon.

Related Topics:
23 May - 1568 - Ambush - Cannon

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The invading force did not capture any cities and was defeated at the Battle of Jemmingen.

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Adolf of Nassau is mentioned in the Dutch national anthem:

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:Graef Adolff is ghebleven, In Vriesland in den slaech,

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