As they approached the forts -- Grimeston in front closely guarded
by the Spanish captain -- it was seen by the assailants that Redhead
had kept his word: the drawbridge across the moat was down and the
portcullis was up. Within the fort Lord Willoughby, Vere, and two
thousand men were waiting for them. When about fifty had crossed the
drawbridge the portcullis was suddenly let fall and the drawbridge
hauled up. As the portcullis thundered down Grimeston tripped up
the surprised Spaniard, and, leaping into the water, managed to
make his way to the foot of the walls. A discharge of musketry and
artillery from the fort killed a hundred and fifty of the attacking
party, while those who had crossed the drawbridge were all either
killed or taken prisoners. But the water in the moat was low. The
Spaniards gallantly waded across and attacked the palisades, but
were repulsed in their endeavour to climb them. While the fight was
going on the water in the moat was rising, and scores were washed
away and drowned as they attempted to return.
Parma continued the siege for some little time, but made no real
attempt to take the place after having been repulsed at the north
fort; and on the 12th of November broke up his camp and returned
to Brussels.
After the siege was over Lord Willoughby knighted twelve of
his principal officers, foremost among whom was Francis Vere, who
was now sent home with despatches by his general, and remained in
England until the end of January, when he was appointed sergeant
major general of the forces, a post of great responsibility and much
honour, by Lord Willoughby, with the full approval of the queen's
government.
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