One of the last engagements of the Hook and Cod wars, resulting in a large-scale slaughter of Utrecht civilians by Bishop David's army.
Key Facts
- Date
- 26 December 1481
- Bishop's army size
- 4,000–5,000 men
- Estimated deaths (low)
- 100 dead, 50 prisoners
- Estimated deaths (high)
- Up to 1,500 dead
- Conflict
- Hook and Cod wars / Second Utrecht Civil War
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Hook and Cod wars had effectively been won by the Cods and their Burgundian allies, but Hooks in Utrecht revolted and seized Bishop David of Burgundy, triggering the Second Utrecht Civil War. Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I secured the bishop's release, after which David moved to reassert control over the city.
On 26 December 1481, Bishop David dispatched an army of 4,000 to 5,000 men toward Utrecht. They burned the village of Westbroek and killed its inhabitants. An armed mob from Utrecht marched out in retaliation but, upon seeing the scale of David's forces, attempted to retreat. The bishop's army gave chase and killed all they could overtake.
Casualty estimates vary widely in the sources, ranging from 100 dead and 50 prisoners to as many as 1,500 killed. The battle was among the final military engagements of the Hook and Cod wars, effectively extinguishing Hook resistance in the Utrecht region and consolidating Burgundian authority.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
David of Burgundy.
Side B
1 belligerent