Blockade of the Swedish garrison in Toruń

Course of events

Commonwealth and imperial forces began a blockade of Toruń, held by a Swedish garrison. The operation formed part of the recovery of fortresses in Royal Prussia.¹

A closer look

General Louis Raduit de Souches and Crown artillery commander Krzysztof Grodzicki began the blockade. The Swedish garrison and strengthened fortifications required reinforcements under Jerzy Sebastian Lubomirski. The museum estimates that 18,000 Polish and 5,000 imperial soldiers took part in the operation.¹

A coalition outside the walls

On 1 August 1658 imperial general Louis Raduit de Souches arrived outside Toruń with troops under Krzysztof Grodzicki, commander of Crown artillery. They began to cut off the city and prepare a full siege. Fortifications strengthened by Swedish engineers required additional forces under Jerzy Sebastian Lubomirski.¹

Why did it take months?

The museum estimates a combined besieging force of 18,000 Commonwealth and 5,000 imperial soldiers. Even this numerical advantage did not mean an immediate capture of fortified Toruń. The Swedish garrison capitulated only in December, after months of blockade and siege.¹²