Siege of La Rochelle
French Wars of Religion · La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime (France)
Summary
Fourteen-month siege (September 1627 – October 1628) of La Rochelle by Richelieu's royal forces, combining naval blockade, a 1,500 m dyke and starvation of the population. Despite three English expeditions, the Protestant city surrendered with 5,400 surviving inhabitants, marking the end of organised Huguenot resistance.
Historical context
The siege of La Rochelle, ordered by Louis XIII and commanded by Cardinal Richelieu, ran from 10 September 1627 to 28 October 1628. A Protestant city of 28,000 inhabitants, nearly 18,000 of them Reformed, La Rochelle was the last Huguenot stronghold, supported by England. Richelieu deployed about 20,000 men and blocked land routes from the start of the siege.
Tactics
From 30 November Richelieu had a 1,500 m dyke built on the foundations of 59 scuttled ships, twenty feet high, armed with cannon and stakes, to prevent maritime supply. The French fleet under Marino Torre blockaded the port while royal troops maintained a continuous land siege and repulsed relief from Buckingham and then Lindsey.
Consequences
After the failure of three English expeditions and famine, the city surrendered unconditionally on 28 October 1628; only 5,400 survivors remained. Under the Peace of Alès (28 June 1629), Huguenots lost their political, military and territorial rights but kept freedom of worship. The walls were demolished and an annual commemorative procession was imposed.