On This Day

Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland for the English crown, establishing the first English colony in North America and t

Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland for the English crown, establishing the first English colony in North America and the beginning of the British Empire

Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1539 – 9 September 1583) was an English adventurer, explorer, member of parliament and soldier who served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and was a pioneer of the English colonial empire in North America and the Plantations of Ireland. He was a maternal half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh and a cousin of Sir Richard Grenville.

Historical Significance

Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1539 – 9 September 1583) was an English adventurer, explorer, member of parliament and soldier who served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and was a pioneer of the English colonial empire in North America and the Plantations of Ireland.

Events Before

  1. Pope Gregory XIII announces the New Style calendar, commonly known as the Gregorian calendar

    The Julian calendar is a solar calendar of 365 days in every year with an additional leap day every fourth year (without exception).

  2. Last Julian calendar day in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States. To sync to the Gregorian calendar 10 days are skipped

    Last Julian calendar day in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States. To sync to the Gregorian calendar 10 days are skipped, and the next date is Oct 15.

  3. Gregorian calendar is introduced in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States after skipping 10 days from October 4 to sync

    Gregorian calendar is introduced in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States after skipping 10 days from October 4 to sync the calendar to the solar year and compensate for the drift that has occurred due to the Julian calendar having too many leap days

  4. Playwright and poet William Shakespeare (18) marries Anne Hathaway (26) (date of the marriage license)

    Playwright and poet William Shakespeare (18) marries Anne Hathaway (26) (date of the marriage license)

  5. Russia cedes Livonia and Estonia to Poland and loses access to the Baltic Sea

    Russia cedes Livonia and Estonia to Poland and loses access to the Baltic Sea

Events After

  1. Last day of the Julian calendar in Bohemia and The Holy Roman Empire

    Last day of the Julian calendar in Bohemia and The Holy Roman Empire

  2. Ieper surrenders to Duke of Parma

    Ieper surrenders to Duke of Parma

  3. Seven West Frisian towns divide the monasteries of Egmond, Blokker, and St. Pietersdal in the Dutch Republic

    Seven West Frisian towns divide the monasteries of Egmond, Blokker, and St. Pietersdal in the Dutch Republic

  4. Earl Adolf of Nieuwenaar and Meurs becomes viceroy of Gelderland

    Earl Adolf of Nieuwenaar and Meurs becomes viceroy of Gelderland

  5. Spanish army leader Richebourg conquers Liefkenshoek, Belgium

    Spanish army leader Richebourg conquers Liefkenshoek, Belgium

More from the 1580s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on August 5, 1583?
Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1539 – 9 September 1583) was an English adventurer, explorer, member of parliament and soldier who served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and was a pioneer of the English colonial empire in North America and the Plantations of Ireland. He was a maternal half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh and a cousin of Sir Richard Grenville.
Why is Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland for the English crown, establishing the ... significant?
Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1539 – 9 September 1583) was an English adventurer, explorer, member of parliament and soldier who served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and was a pioneer of the English colonial empire in North America and the Plantations of Ireland.

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