- Jan 31 Spanish government goes bankrupt
- Feb 8 Gunpowder is used in a mining operation instead of mechanical tools in present-day Slovakia, reportedly the first time explosives had been used in mining
- Mar 20 France & Spain sign accord for fighting protestantism
Historic Event
Jul 10 English fleet under George Villiers reach La Rochelle [NS=June 20]
- Jul 12 English invasion fleet under George Villiers lands on the Île de Ré, forced to withdraw after 3 months of combat and losing 4,000 of 7,000 troops
- Aug 10 Cardinal Richelieu begins siege of La Rochelle
Victory in Battle
Aug 19 Prince Frederick Henry conquers fort Groenlo
- Oct 27 English invasion force under George Villiers assaults the French island of Île de Ré
- Nov 8 English fleet under George Villiers leaves Île de Ré