Gueux

Gueux, or 'The Beggars,' the name assumed by the confederated nobles and other malcontents who opposed the introduction of the Inquisition into the Low Countries by Philip II. of Spain. Forming themselves into an association, November 1565, they presented, on 5th April following, a formal protest to the regent, Margaret of Parma. Their distinctive party name they adopted from an abusive epithet applied to them on that occasion by one of Margaret's courtiers. The 'beggars,' who represented the national feeling of the country, maintained a long and vigorous contest against the despotic proceedings of Philip and his advisers, but were ultimately compelled to succumb to superior force. A branch of them, 'the Beggars of the Sea,' under the leadership of the bold Count de la Marck, seriously harassed the Spanish fleet, captured transports with supplies for Alva's army, seized several fortresses, and succoured besieged places along the coast. Their capture of Briel in April 1572 was the beginning of the war which terminated in the independence of the Netherlands in 1648. See HOLLAND.