John Popham Chosen Speaker
John Popham becomes Speaker as Parliament adopts stronger legislation against Catholic missionary activity and recusancy.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1581 in England
Explore 27 historical events and records for England in 1581.
Historical records for England in 1581
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 27 of 27 unique records.
27Unique records
1 of 1Page
22Named events on this page
13Named people on this page
6Places on this page
January
April
Alexander Briant Arrested
Alexander Briant is arrested because authorities suspect he can provide information about Catholic missionary networks and Edmund Campion.
June
Anjou Marriage Contract Drafted
Approves detailed marriage articles with Francis, Duke of Anjou, while reserving a final decision on whether the marriage will actually proceed.
Anjou Sovereignty Safeguards
Participates in negotiations that restrict Anjou's authority, protect English offices and laws, and prevent the proposed marriage from subordinating England to foreign interests.
July
Edmund Campion Captured at Lyford Grange
Edmund Campion is captured after priest hunters discover him at Lyford Grange, ending more than a year of clandestine Jesuit missionary work.
Execution of Everard Hanse
Everard Hanse is executed for exercising Catholic priesthood and denying the queen's religious supremacy.
October
Marriage
Alencon arrives in England after Elizabeth has a marriage contract drawn up
November
Marriage
Elizabeth I publicy announces "the Duke of Alencon shall be my husband"
December
Death of St Edmund Campion
Death of St Edmund Campion, executed
Execution of Alexander Briant
Alexander Briant is executed after conviction for alleged treason linked to Catholic missionary work and Jesuit association.
Execution of Campion
Executed after being falsely implicated in a plot against Elizabeth I
Execution of Campion
St Edmund Campion is executed when falsely implicated in a plot against Elizabeth I
Execution of Ralph Sherwin
Ralph Sherwin is executed after conviction for alleged treason arising from Catholic missionary activity in England.
Plot
Executed after being falsely implicated in a plot against Elizabeth I
Diplomatic Negotiations
Elizabeth toys with Alencons marriage negotiations to isolate Spain
Marriage
Lends the Duke of Alencon 60,000 pounds to assist him in The Netherlands
Other events (month unknown)
Alliance Francis Walsingham and partner not stated in source
Fails to secure an alliance against Spain
Mayor
Appointed Mayor of Plymouth
Member of Parliament for Bossiney
Bacon enters the House of Commons as member for Bossiney.
Rebellion of Munster
Fights against the Munster rebels in Ireland & comes to the attention of Elizabeth I
Rebellion of Munster
Fights against the Munster rebels in Ireland & comes to the attention of Elizabeth I
Reform of Treason Law
It becomes treasonable to convert to catholicism. A 20 pounds a month for those over 16 who are absent from Sunday Service
Speaker of House of Commons
Appointed Speaker of the House of Commons
Subjects' Due Obedience Act Passed
Parliament increases penalties for reconciling English subjects to Rome and for activities challenging allegiance to Elizabeth.
Succession
Appointed to arrange a marriage between Elizabeth and Francois, Duke of Alencon
Trial
Robert Cateby is tried in Star Chamber alongside William Vaux, 3rd Baron Vaux of Harrowden, and his brother-in-law Sir Thomas Tresham, for harbouring the Jesuit Edmund Campion
Trial
Robert Cateby is tried in Star Chamber alongside William Vaux, 3rd Baron Vaux of Harrowden, and his brother-in-law Sir Thomas Tresham, for harbouring the Jesuit Edmund Campion
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.