Battle of Neerwinden

Here, during the Battle of Neerwinden, one of the most dreadful battles of the 17th century took place. The open, rolling landscape was an ideal terrain for military forces to test their battlefield techniques. And that happened here on July 29, 1693. Between Neerhespen, Laar, Neerlanden, Dormaal, and Eliksem, there was a troop strength of no less than 50,000 men. The line was south of the Kleine Gete and was led by William III. It was a collection of soldiers from the Dutch Republic, England, Spain, Sweden, Bavaria, Hanover, and Saxony. On the other side, near Landen, stood Marshal Luxembourg with 75,000 Frenchmen fighting for Louis XIV. Earlier this year, Hainaut and Namur had already succumbed. And Louis XIV's army was unstoppable. The battle on July 29, 1693, was brief but terribly bloody. 20,000 to 30,000 deaths occurred in one day. Historical sources report a horrible stench from the many corpses that remained on the land, especially from the fleeing Dutch alliance. The village of Neerwinden was right in the middle of the frontline, and many civilians also fell victim. The region would experience significant depopulation in the following years. A year later, another major battle would take place in this very spot.

RouteYou