In the 16th century, Lille was part of Spanish-ruled Flanders, governed by Charles V and later Philip II. The region was shaken by civil, independence, and religious wars. Philip II persecuted Protestants, who were labeled as heretics and "the Wretched." On August 15, 1566, an uprising occurred with numerous plunderings in the region. On December 26, 1566, 400 "Wretched" attacked Wattrelos and defended themselves the next day in the cemetery and in the church. The Catholics set the church on fir...