Siege of Lille, 10-28 August 1667

Arrivée de Louis XIV au siège de Lille
Adam Frans van der Meulen

Lille was one of the key French objectives in the War of Devolution. It was besieged on 10 August by the main French army led by King Louis XIV with marschals d’Aumont & Vauban. According to French relation the following troops participated in the siege:

Cavalry: Mousquetaries (both squadrons); Cuirassiers under duc de Coalin; compagnies des gardes Nouailles, d’Aumont, Tresmes, Charost; gens-d’armes Roy, Monsieur le Dauphin, Escossois; chevaux-legers Roy, de la Reine, Monsieur le Dauphin, duc de Lorraine; regiments Royal-Estrangers, d’Enguien, Monaco, de Fourille, de Bouillon, d’Auvergne, Nogent, Plessis, Canaples, Choiseuil, de Bissi, de Moglas, de Fourneaux, de Renel.

Infantry: Gardes Francois, Gardes Suisses, Roy, Royal, Picardie, Orlean, Champagne, Plessis-Praslin, d’Auvergne, Castelnau, Turenn, Lyonnois, Louvigny, Sault, d’Harcourt,  de Lorraine, Caramini

Spanish garrison was under Captain-General & Governor of Namur Philippe Hypolite Charles Spinola, comte de Bruay. It composed of comte de Bruay company, 300 Spanish soldiers, 250 Italian soldiers, 300 English soldiers, 100 Irish soldiers, 300 of comte de la Rache, 140 of Anver – totaled around 1,500 men. Spanish cavalry was of 900 men. It composed of troopers from marquis de Risbourg, de Gavelence & d’Ennetieres tercios, baron d’Herbay & du St.Massiette regiments, & Maitre-de-Camp company. Lille bourgeoisse militia was of 18 companies.

The garrison was lack of powder & agreed to capitulate on 28 of August after a brave defense. It repulsed several French assault with severe losses to attackers. Finally Spaniards capitulated on the terms of free passage from the city.