In March 1567, under the leadership of a young nobleman, Jean Marnix, rebels gathered and built a fortified compound at Oosterweel, approximately 1.6 kilometres (1 mi) from Antwerp.

With the battle won, the Spanish mercenaries hunted down and killed those rebels who had fled, including Jean Marnix who was sliced to pieces.

Those citizens that defied him to go to the aid of the rebels quickly retreated for the most part when they saw the dominance and ferocity of the Spanish mercenaries.

Calvinist worship all throughout the Netherlands was affected, and many dissidents including William the Silent fled to other countries.

[4] The battle and its aftermath are depicted in Cecelia Holland's novel The Sea Beggars—seen through the eyes of an idealistic young Calvinist from Antwerp who tries to join the rebels but arrives too late.