1581 Facts for Kids

The year 1581 was a time of important changes and events around the world. Let's explore some of the key things that happened during this year.

Big Events of 1581

January 16 – In England, the English Parliament made a new law. This law made it illegal to practice Roman Catholicism in the country. This was a big change for many people.
April 4 – The famous explorer Sir Francis Drake was honored by Queen Elizabeth I. He had just finished a journey around the entire world! For his amazing achievement, the Queen made him a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir."
July 26 – The northern parts of the Netherlands officially declared their independence from Spain. This was a very important moment for them. They signed a document called the Oath of Abjuration, which said they no longer recognized the King of Spain as their ruler. This was a major step in their fight to become a free country.

January 4 – James Ussher was born. He became an important priest and a very smart scholar from Ireland.
February 17 – Fausto Poli was born in Italy. He grew up to be a Catholic priest.
March 16 – Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft was born in the Netherlands. He became a well-known historian, writing about the past.
October 9 – Claude Gaspard Bachet de Méziriac was born in France. He became a famous mathematician.
October 21 – Domenico Zampieri was born in Italy. He became a talented painter.

April 25 – Okabe Motonobu, a Japanese warrior, passed away.
May 31 – Jan Kostka, a Polish noble, died.
June 2 – James Douglas, the 4th Earl of Morton, died. He had been a regent of Scotland, which means he ruled the country when the king was too young.
July 11 – Peder Skram, a Danish senator and naval officer, passed away.
July 22 – Richard Cox, an English bishop, died.
August 21 – Sakuma Nobumori, a Japanese retainer and samurai, passed away.
September 1 – Guru Ram Das, who was the fourth Sikh Guru, died. He was a very important spiritual leader.
September 30 – Hubert Languet, a French diplomat and reformer, passed away.
October 9 – Saint Louis Bertrand, a Spanish missionary, died. He traveled to Latin America and is now a patron saint of Colombia.
October 23 – Michael Neander, a German mathematician and astronomer, passed away.
November 7 – Richard Davies, a Welsh bishop and scholar, died.