Although it was already December and the season was unfavourable, Toledo now determined to lay siege to the important town of Haarlem.

Haarlem was difficult of approach.

It was protected on two sides by broad sheets of shallow water, the Haarlem lake and the estuary of the Y, divided from one another by a narrow neck of land.

On another side was a thick wood.

It was garrisoned by 4000 men, stern Calvinists, under the resolute leadership of Ripperda and Lancelot Brederode.