Siege of Rouen (1591)

The Siege of Rouen (December 1591 – May 1592) was an unsuccessful attempt by Henry IV of France to capture Rouen, the historical capital city of Normandy. The battle took place as part of the French Wars of Religion, the Eighty Years' War, and the Anglo–Spanish War (1585–1604).[1][2] Although he had claimed the throne 1589, Henry, a Huguenot, was not recognized by many of his Catholic subjects, and he was forced to fight against a Catholic League determined to resist his rule, and which was aided by Spain.

Siege of Rouen
Part of the French War of Religion (1587–1594) and the Anglo–Spanish War
Date December 1591 – May 1592 Location Rouen, Normandy, Kingdom of France (present-day Upper Normandy, France) Result Spanish-Catholic victory[1][2]
Belligerents
French Royal Army  England United Provinces	Catholic League of France  Spain
Commanders and leaders
Henry IV of France Baron de Biron Robert Devereux	André de Brancas Duke of Parma Carlos Coloma

At Rouen the combined French, English and Dutch forces of Henry IV battled the troops of the Catholic League, commanded by André de Brancas, Amiral de Villars, and the Spanish forces led by Don Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma (Spanish: Alejandro Farnesio). The city resisted until the arrival of the Spanish troops, which defeated and forced the Protestant forces to lift the siege.[1][2]