The 1580s decade ran from January 1, 1580, to December 31, 1589. Events and trends The 'Golden Age' of Literature in England began. The eighth and last French War of Religion started, and that war would end ten years later by the Peace of Vervins and the Edict of Nantes. Sir Humphrey Gilbert claimed 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 arrived in China. Queen Elizabeth I o… (More on 1580s)