Carl von Rabenhaupt


Carl von Rabenhaupt was a Bohemian Hussite nobleman who fought in Saxon, Dutch and Hessian service during the Thirty Years War and came out of retirement to command a Dutch regiment in the Franco-Dutch War.

Thirty Years War

A Bohemian Hussite, Rabenhaupt went into exile for his religion in 1620, after the failure of the Bohemian Revolt, and entered Saxon service. By 1622 he had followed Ernst von Mansfeld into Dutch service. Taking part in a number of sieges in the Low Countries, he established his reputation in the trench warfare that was part of such sieges. In 1633 he received an offer of service under William V, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel. Transferring to Hessian service he became governor of Kalkar in 1641.

Franco-Dutch War

Having retired from active service at the end of the Thirty Years War, Rabenhaupt was recruited by the Dutch in 1671 as colonel of his own regiment, later promoted to lieutenant general. He played an important role in the Siege of Groningen in 1672.

Death and commemoration

Rabenhaupt died at Coevorden on 12 August 1675 and was buried in Coevorden church on 3 September 1675.
A street in Groningen is named after him, and a sculpted bust is next to the town hall.

Gallery