| Date
|
Event
|
Impact
|
Key individuals
|
Topics
|
|
1485
|
- Battle of Bosworth Field
|
- End of the War of the Roses
- Foundation of Tudor dynasty
|
- Henry VII
- Richard III
|
- Dynasty
- War
|
|
1495
|
- First drydock in Europe established in Portsmouth
|
- Development of Tudor Navy
|
- Henry VII
|
- Science
- War
|
|
1497
|
- Discovery of Newfoundland
|
- Development of English exploration of North America
|
- John Cabot
- Henry VII
|
- Science
- Colonialism
|
|
1514
|
- Foundation of Trinity House for the Advancement of Navigation and Training in pilotage
|
- Centralised resource for the development of navigational skills
|
- Henry VIII
- Thomas Spert
|
- Trade
- Science
|
|
1539
|
- Publication of Great Bible as the official Bible in England
|
- Official sanction for complete translation of the Bible into English
|
- Thomas Cromwell
- Myles Coverdale
- Henry VII
|
- Religion
- Culture
|
|
1542
|
- Laws in Wales Acts completed
|
- Annexation of Wales to England and harmonisation of administration
|
- Thomas Cromwell
- Henry VIII
|
- Governance
|
|
1542
|
- Crown of Ireland Act 1542 completed
|
- Henry VIII proclaimed King of Ireland
|
- Thomas Cromwell
- Henry VIII
|
- Governance
|
|
1549
|
- Introduction of the English language Book of Common Prayer
|
- Standardisation of Anglican liturgy and Prayer Book Rebellion
|
- Thomas Cranmer
|
- Religion
- Governance
|
|
1555
|
- Start of Marian Persecutions of English Protestants
|
- 284 Protestants burnt alive, many more flee into exile
|
- Thomas Cranmer
- William Hunter
|
- Religion
|
|
1565
|
- Foundation of the Royal Exchange
|
- Development of London as a financial centre
|
- Thomas Gresham
|
- Trade
|
|
1580
|
- The Siege of Smerwick
|
- English soldiers massacre Italian and Spanish Catholic soldiers as well as Irish men and women
|
- Earl Grey
- Walter Raleigh
- Edmund Spenser
|
- War
- Religion
|
|
1588
|
- Defeat of the Spanish Armada
|
- Attempted Spanish invasion thwarted, English colonialism gains freer rein
|
- Frances Drake
- Elizabeth I
- Philip II
- Duke of Medina Sidonia
|
- War
|
|
1597
|
- Foundation of the Gresham College
|
- Development of intellectual centre linked to the merchants of the City of London
|
- Thomas Gresham
- Humphrey Gilbert
|
- Science
|
