1521. Emanuel (the Great), king of Portugal, died. He distinguished himself by the liberal manner in which he patronized commercial enterprises, by which the cape of Good Hope was rounded, and Brazil visited.
1542. James V, of Scotland, died. He assumed the government at the age of 17, and was admired for his virtues.
1542. An act passed permitting those deemed the better sort to read the Bible in England.
1545. The great council of Trent opened.
1565. Conrad Gesner, a Swiss botanist, died. It has been said that botany owes to him its very existence as a science.
1577. Drake sailed from Plymouth, England, in the Golden Hind, on his voyage round the world, which he was the second navigator that accomplished.
1621. Robert Cushman having visited the colony of Plymouth with supplies, took in a cargo of beaver skins and clapboards, the first export from New England, which was valued at £500. The vessel was captured and carried into France.
1642. New Zealand discovered by Tasman.
1648. In order to enforce an ordinance of Cromwell, Capt. Bethan was appointed provost marshal, "with power to seize upon all ballad singers, and to suppress stage plays."
1702. The motto semper eadem first attached to the arms of England.