Battle of Castricum

The Battle of Castricum, known locally as the Slag bij Castricum, is a significant historical event that took place on October 6, 1799, in the quaint town of Castricum, located in the North Holland province of the Netherlands. This battle, a crucial encounter during the War of the Second Coalition against revolutionary France, saw the combined forces of France and the Batavian Republic clashing with a British-Russian invasion force. The result was a decisive victory for the Franco-Batavian army, a momentous event that has left an indelible mark on the history of Castricum and its surrounding areas.

The Prelude to Battle

In late August 1799, a formidable British-Russian force of 32,000 men landed in North Holland, marking the beginning of their campaign against the French and Batavian troops. The initial stages of the invasion were promising for the Allies; they captured the Dutch fleet at Den Helder without a fight on August 30 and occupied Alkmaar on October 3. However, their progress was soon met with fierce resistance.

The stage was set for a significant confrontation near the village of Castricum. The Franco-Batavian forces, commanded by General Guillaume Brune and Herman Willem Daendels, prepared to halt the advancing British-Russian troops led by the Duke of York, Ralph Abercromby, and the Prince of Orange. The ensuing battle would prove to be a turning point in the campaign.

The Battle Unfolds

On the morning of October 6, 1799, the Battle of Castricum began with both sides vying for control of the strategically important village. The fighting was intense and chaotic, with Castricum changing hands multiple times throughout the day. The landscape of the battle was marked by the rolling dunes and the proximity to the North Sea, adding to the complexity of the conflict.

The Franco-Batavian forces demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical acumen, managing to repel the British-Russian assaults. The battle saw heavy casualties on both sides, with the Allies suffering 2,536 soldiers killed and the loss of 11 cannons. The Franco-Batavian army also endured significant losses, with 1,382 soldiers killed in action.

Aftermath and Local Impact

The aftermath of the Battle of Castricum was marked by chaos and disorder among the retreating British-Russian forces. The local population of Castricum bore the brunt of the conflict, with their homes and possessions plundered by the retreating soldiers. An eyewitness account by Pastor Bommer vividly describes the widespread looting and destruction inflicted upon the village:

The number of stolen Edam and Leiden cheeses is countless. The cheeses, young and still in salt, were hacked and destroyed with sabers. Butter, barrels of butter, freshly churned butter, an incalculable amount was stolen. At the house of Mrs. Nieuwhout van Veen, where the officers stayed, much was found after their departure. The French soldiers cooked cabbage in pure butter, without water, and, unable to eat it, threw it away, destroyers and wasters. Smoked meat, bacon, and hams that they discovered, they took away. Chickens, ducks, eggs, beehives, honey, wine, beer, gin, brandy, cream, and milk, everything fell into their hands.

This vivid account highlights the suffering and resilience of the local inhabitants during this tumultuous period.

The Convention of Alkmaar

Following their defeat at Castricum, the British-Russian forces found themselves in a dire situation. Malaria outbreaks, hostile local populations, and adverse weather conditions compounded their difficulties. On October 10, 1799, the warring parties signed the Convention of Alkmaar, allowing the Allied troops to withdraw with their spoils and without having to pay reparations. By November 19, all Allied forces had evacuated North Holland.

Legacy and Remembrance

The Battle of Castricum left a lasting legacy in the region. In the years following the invasion, defensive lines were constructed in North Holland to protect Amsterdam, including the Linie van Beverwijk. Today, visitors to Castricum can still see remnants of this historic battle. The Huis met de Kogel (House with the Cannonball) in Castricum features a cannonball embedded in its wall, a tangible reminder of the battle. A plaque reads, cannonball from the battle of Castricum Sunday 6 Oct. 1799. The nearby Dorpskerk also bears a cannonball in its outer wall.

Additionally, place names such as the Russenbergen (Russian Hills) and the Doodelaan (Death Lane) in Castricum serve as enduring reminders of the battle and its impact on the local landscape.

Conclusion

The Battle of Castricum, or Slag bij Castricum, stands as a significant historical event that shaped the course of the War of the Second Coalition and left an indelible mark on the town of Castricum. This pivotal battle, characterized by its fierce fighting and profound local impact, remains a poignant chapter in the history of North Holland. For visitors to Castricum, the echoes of this historic conflict can still be felt, offering a glimpse into the turbulent past that shaped this charming Dutch village.