De Spinolaschans

Soldiers no longer walk there, the contours of the defensive structure can only be seen from the air. But the Spinolaschans in Breda is still there, hidden between the trees. Flora and fauna now predominate on this former battleground. This 'Grote Schans' was an independent defense work with four bastions. It was part of a thirty-mile line. The Spanish general Spinola built it in 1624 so that no food could be found in Breda. With success, because after eleven months the city surrendered. Immediately afterwards, Spinola dismantled the Spinolaschans in Breda. Nevertheless, Frederik Hendrik redesigned the Great Schans in 1637: he besieged Breda and recaptured the city from the Spaniards.