The French won at Cassel on 11 April 1677. An army under Philippe of Orléans, Louis XIV's brother, defeated William of Orange, who was marching to relieve the French siege of Saint-Omer.
A French victory
William had not scouted the ground and found two streams across his line of advance; the French attacked his left wing and it broke. During the battle Philippe of Orléans charged the enemy in person and turned the threat of defeat into victory.1
William got the rest of his army away, but according to History Ireland he lost up to 10,000 men killed or captured, with all his artillery and baggage.2
Why it mattered
The battle, fought by the village of Noordpeene near Cassel, opened the way to the annexation by France of Valenciennes, Cambrai, Saint-Omer and Cassel.3
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Cassel?
It was fought on 11 April 1677 near Cassel, by the village of Noordpeene, not far from Saint-Omer in northern France, during the Franco-Dutch War.
Who won the Battle of Cassel?
The French, under Philippe of Orléans, brother of Louis XIV, defeated the army of William of Orange.
Why did the battle matter?
It led to the annexation by France of Valenciennes, Cambrai, Saint-Omer and Cassel.
Notes
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