[2] During the Eighty Years' War, William the Silent of the provisional United Provinces led a revolt against the rule of King Philip II of Spain.

The capture of Brielle resulted in seven predominantly Protestant Dutch states renewing their support for the rebellion against Spain.

On 2 October the Spanish army sacked Mechelen, where soldiers looted the city for three days and killed several hundred townspeople.

It was agreed with Julián Romero that Naarden would open its gates to a small garrison force, surrender supplies to the Spanish, and that every citizen of the city would swear a new oath to the King of Spain.

[2] Several days later, the Spanish army conscripted peasants from nearby Gooiland to demolish the remaining buildings in the ruined town.