Siege of Lochem (1582)

The Siege of Lochem (1582) was a military event during the Eighty Years' War, a conflict between the Dutch Republic and Habsburg Spain. The city of Lochem, located in the province of Gelderland, was besieged by Spanish forces under the command of Maarten Schenk van Nydeggen.

Lochem was a strategically important town due to its location and its defensive fortifications. The siege began in May 1582 and lasted until June of the same year. The Dutch garrison, though relatively small, put up a staunch defense.

The Spanish forces employed typical siege tactics, including attempts to breach the city walls and cut off supply lines. The Dutch defenders, however, managed to resist these efforts for a significant period.

Ultimately, the siege was relieved by Dutch and English forces led by John Norreys. The arrival of reinforcements forced the Spanish to lift the siege and retreat, preventing the capture of Lochem.

The Siege of Lochem (1582) represents a relatively minor engagement within the larger context of the Eighty Years' War, but it highlights the ongoing struggle for control of key territories in the Low Countries and the determination of the Dutch to resist Spanish rule. It also demonstrates the importance of English support in bolstering the Dutch cause during the early years of the conflict.