The Siege of Buda begins as Ottoman forces lay siege to the Hungarian city.
Browse Historical Events by Month:
What Happened in April?
Sieges, raids, and monumental deaths. Discover key historical events from April that influenced the world. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
Note: Sources for the historical content shown, include research and reviews of relevant Online History Resources or printed material. When possible, we show a link to a source which provides additional or unique perspective about the event.
We do our best to provide accurate information but would appreciate being notified if any incorrect information is found. You may do so by using our Feedback link.
William Shakespeare, English playwright, and poet is born in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Philippines formally becomes a Spanish colony on April 27, 1565 as Miguel López de Legazpi arrives in Cebu, Philippines, from Mexico and establishes the first permanent Spanish settlement, Villa San Miguel. Ferdinand Magellan arrived decades earlier. but did not make any attempts of colonization.
Pope Pius V issues the papal bull "Regnans in Excelsis," excommunicating Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Battle of Gelves: Spanish forces defeat a fleet of English privateers off the coast of Portugal.
The Portuguese succession crisis is resolved when King Philip II of Spain is declared Philip I of Portugal, bringing Portugal under Spanish rule.
The Banquet of Chestnuts takes place at the Vatican, notorious for its scandalous behavior.
King Henry IV of France issues the Edict of Nantes, granting religious liberties to the Huguenots.
Scottish preacher John Craig is appointed the first minister of Edinburgh.
King James VI of Scotland is crowned as King James I of England, uniting the crowns of England and Scotland.
The Union Flag, combining the flags of England and Scotland, is adopted for the first time.
English colonists establish the first permanent English settlement in America at Jamestown, Virginia.
Explorer Henry Hudson sets sail from Amsterdam on his voyage to North America.
Henry IV of France is assassinated by François Ravaillac in Paris.
The first King James Bible is published in London.
Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, marries English colonist John Rolfe in Virginia.
William Shakespeare dies in Stratford-upon-Avon on his birthday.
The Mayflower sets sail from Plymouth, Massachusetts, returning to England.
A Powhatan Indian attack on Jamestown in Virginia results in the deaths of hundreds of English settlers.
King Charles I of England disbands the Short Parliament.