| January 31 | Battle of Gembloers |
| February 13 | Tycho Brahe 1st sketches "Tychonic system" of solar system |
| March 10 | Queen Elizabeth I gives Johan Casimir 20,000 pounds to aid Dutch rebellion |
| April 1 | William Harvey of England discovers blood circulation |
| June 11 | England grants Sir Humphrey Gilbert a patent to explore and colonize US |
| August 2 | Battle of Rijmenam |
| August 4 | Battle of Alcazarquivir, Moroccans defeat Portuguese, 10,000 killed |
| August 13 | Duke French van Anjou recognized as protector of Netherlands |
| October 10 | Count Johan Casimir occupies Ghent with 500 horsemen |
