January 1 1st day of the Gregorian calendar in Holland and Flanders January 12 Holland begins use of Gregorian calendar (yesterday was 1/1/1583) February 21 Groningen Netherlands begins using Gregorian calendar March 18 Dutch States General and Anjou sign treaty April 12 William of Orange marries Louise de Coligny June 17 Brabant: duke of Parma beats French mercenaries June 18 Richard Martin of London takes out 1st life insurance policy, on William Gibbons, premium was 383 pounds June 28 Duke French van Valois returns to France July 17 Spanish and Walloon troops conquer Dunkerk August 5 Gilbert claims Newfoundland (1st English colony in North America) November 15 Gelders Earl Willem of the Bergh flees November 20 Duke of Parma conquerors Aalst
