Years 1591-1592
| Shakespeare's life | contemporary events |
| 1591 | |
| [The "lost years."] |
Tea first introduced into England. Robert Herrick is born. Sidney's Astrophel and Stella is published. Christopher Wren is born. Essex's expedition to Ireland. |
| 1592 | |
| Sept. 25--John Shakespeare is named as a recusant [against the law, he failed to go to church at least once a month]. | Philip
Henslowe begins his Diary. Lord Strange's men, possibly including Shakespeare, appear at Court and at the Rose. Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy published. Marlowe writes Edward II. Robert Greene dies; his Groatsworth of Wit is entered in the Stationers' Register. Edward Alleyn marries Joan Woodward and forms partnership with Philip Henslowe. Severe plague in London (15,000 people die); plays restricted in the latter half of the year. Juan da Fuca discovers British Columbia. John Davis discovers the Falkland Islands. |