==Events and trends== The beginnings of the 'Golden Age' of Literature in England. Eighth and last French War of Religion, ended by the Peace of Vervins and the Edict of Nantes. Sir Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland as England's first overseas colony in 1583. Francis Drake had come back from going around the world, bringing back with him many treasures. Jesuits arrive in China. Elizabeth I of England complains that there are too many "blackamoores" competing with needy English people fo… (More on 1580s)