Siege of Leiden

Spanish forces besieged Leiden during the Dutch Revolt in an attempt to break resistance in Holland. The city endured hunger and disease while rebel authorities cut dikes and admitted seawater to create a route for the relief fleet.

The siege was lifted in October 1574. Leiden’s survival became a powerful symbol of resistance to Habsburg rule, and the city was rewarded with a university founded the following year.

Lysbeth places family persecution, religious conflict and civic endurance within the revolt and the siege’s remembered suffering.