| January 28 | By Edict of Orleans persecution of French Huguenots is suspended |
| February 22 | William of Orange appointed viceroy of Burgundy/Charolais |
| August 19 | Mary Queen of Scots arrives in Leith Scotland to assume throne after spending 13 years in France |
| August 24 | Willem of Orange marries duchess Anna of Saxon |
| September 9 | Sermon of Poissy |
| September 23 | King Philip II of Spain forbids Spanish settlements in Florida |
| November 29 | Lofland subjects himself on Sigismund August II of Poland |
| December 21 | Archbishop Granvelle installed |
