Siege of Neuss - Part VI

Though the Burgundian ring around the town was closed in August 1474 after the capture of the two Rhine isles, the siege did not show any significant results yet. So Charles decided to launch a major attack towards the Obergate and the Rhinegate on 10th September. After days of heavy bombardment the Burgundians stormed the gates for five hours. Summoning all their strength the Neussers managed to hold the gates, the Rhinetor was heavily damaged in the process. The defenders could not imagine at that time that 56 more Burgundian attacks should follow in the next months until the final relief of the town.In the chronicles the commitment of the Neusser women and children is stressed repeatedly who not only helped to repair the damaged defenses and walls.but also armed the fighting men, carrying rocks, pitch, burning chalk etc.