Circle of Pieter Snayers (Antwerp 1592-1667 Brussels)

The Battle of Arques was a part of the eighth and final phase (1585-1598) of the French Wars of Religion. The royal forces, under the command of Henry IV of France, defeated the troops of the Catholic league, commanded by Charles of Lorraine, Duke of Mayenne.

Between the 15th and 29th September, the Catholic League initiated several attacks on the city of Arques, to where the royal forces had lately withdrawn from Dieppe. Despite having the advantage in terms of manpower, the Duke of Mayenne's forces were kept at bay by royal artillery. The resulting hostilities were lethal for both sides, and Henry IV's troops soon found themselves critically undermanned. On 23rd September, however, their position was salvaged when over 5,000 British soldiers arrived, sent by Queen Elizabeth I to aid the royal cause. Upon their arrival, the Duke of Mayenne's advantage rapidly disappeared and he consequently withdrew, leaving Henry IV victorious.