Thereafter , Alba attempted to conquer Alkmaar in the north , but the city withstood the Spanish attack .
The county of Holland was split in two when Haarlem was conquered by the Spanish after a costly seven - month siege .
Alba attempted to conquer Alkmaar in the north , but the city withstood the Spanish attack .
The county of Holland was split in two when Haarlem was conquered by the Spanish after a costly seven - month siege .