Whitgift Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
John Whitgift becomes Archbishop of Canterbury and begins a firmer campaign for conformity within the established Church.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1583 in England
Explore 21 historical events and records for England in 1583.
Historical records for England in 1583
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 21 of 21 unique records.
21Unique records
1 of 1Page
18Named events on this page
9Named people on this page
6Places on this page
September
October
Somerville Arrested
Somerville is apprehended on his journey toward London and admits a plan to attack the queen, drawing his relatives and associates into a treason investigation.
Somerville Assassination Threat
John Somerville openly declares an intention to kill Elizabeth I and sets out toward London carrying weapons, prompting his arrest before he reaches the court.
Whitgift Three Articles Imposed
Whitgift requires clergy to affirm royal supremacy, the prayer book and the doctrinal Articles as part of a stricter conformity campaign.
November
Earl of Desmond Killed
Gerald FitzGerald is killed near Tralee while being hunted by crown forces and local opponents, effectively ending the second Desmond rebellion.
Edward Arden Arrested
Edward Arden is arrested after his son-in-law Somerville implicates him, although the strength and fairness of the evidence against Arden remain deeply disputed.
Francis Throckmorton Arrested after House Search
Francis Throckmorton is arrested after government agents search his house and uncover material linking him to plans for foreign-backed Catholic intervention.
Throckmorton Plot Invasion Plan
Throckmorton's conspiracy is uncovered after planning foreign military support for an invasion intended to free Mary, Queen of Scots, and overthrow Elizabeth.
December
Execution of Edward Arden
Edward Arden is executed for treason after conviction in the Somerville case, maintaining his innocence while the prosecution presents the affair as a Catholic conspiracy.
Other events (month unknown)
Archbishop
Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop
Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury
Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury
Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
Birth of Christopher Mount
Birth of Christopher Mount
De Republica Anglorum
Publication of "De Republica Anglorum"
Death of Francis Throckmorton
Death of Francis Throckmorton
Diplomatic Mission
Ambassador de Mendoza returns to Spain after the Throckmorton. Ambassador de Mendoza fails to install Mary as Queen
Execution
Throckmorton is executed for his part in a Catholic plot to install Mary on the throne
Gunpowder Treason Plot
Ambassador de Mendoza fails to install Mary as Queen
Gunpowder Treason Plot
Excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Throckmorton plot
Rebellion of Rebels in London
Excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Throckmorton plot
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.