Siege of Breme (1638)

The siege of Breme (13–26 March 1638) was undertaken by Spanish forces under the Marquis of Leganés, Governor of Milan during the Franco-Spanish War (1635-1659), although it was Martín de Aragón, as capitán general of Cavalry, who is credited with putting an end to the siege.

Breme, in Lombardy, is located on the border between the Duchy of Milan and Montferrat. The Fortress of Breme, having been taken by the French and reconquered by the Spanish after a long and bloody siege, was an important pentagonal fortress (trace italienne) that covered Cazal and Vercelli, and also defended both Montferrat and the Piedmont.

After being sent to aid the beleaguered fortress, the French military commander, the Duke of Lesdiguieres (also known as Marshal Créquy) was killed there while reconnoitring, on 17 March 1638.

The French garrison, under the governor Mongallar, comprised 1,800 men. When they capitulated, they were allowed to march out with their arms. They left behind 17 artillery pieces. Leganés then left a garrison of 2,000 infantes and two companies of horse.