The Surrender of Breda was the seat of the Orange family, who had a castle there. In 1624, the suspension of hostilities in Germany enabled the Spanish to concentrate their forces towards Breda. Although attacking such a formidable fortress was widely considered to be unwise, Ambrogio Spinola made the bewildering executive decision to march on Breda, accompanied by the Marquis de Leganés and Carlos Coloma. Spinola had made a military reputation for himself in 1604 and been rewarded with the Order of the Golden Fleece for conquering Ostend in Flanders. Consequently, the siege of Breda was not only a clash between the Netherlands and
Capture of Breda (1590) so the poorly attempted siege ended in failure and Mansfeld retreated. The city would remain in Dutch hands until 1625, date in which the Spanish tercios of Ambrosio Spinola would be able to recapture it after a long siege. In 1637 Breda after yet another siege would return to Dutch hands once and for all. Around 1610 the construction of the Spanish Gate or "Spandjaardsgat" was started as a remembrance to the successful capture of Breda in 1590. Also the gate was to assist in refreshing the stagnant water of the castle's moat. Capture of Breda (1590) The Capture of