Browse Items (126 total)

Lord Grey dies, possibly prompting Spenser’s defense of him in Book V of the FQ. (Maley, 60)

Ulster rebellion led by Tyrone during Nine Years War spreads south into Munster. Kilcolman burned. Legend has it that Spenser lost a child in the fire. Spenser likely takes refuge in town of Cork. (Judson, 198-199)

Spenser leaves Cork for Limerick with Grey and army. (Maley, 14)

Sir Thomas Norris writes to Sir Robert Cecil from Cork advising him of the traitor David Maurice and that some of Spenser’s neighbors, the Barrys, had also joined the rebellion. (Hadfield, 383)

From Dublin Castle, Lord Deputy Perrot writes to the Privy Council, listing castles to be fortified, including Kilcolman. (Maley, 40)

October 26: Spenser receives grant for Kilcolman. (Burlinson and Zurcher, 234; Judson 128)

Spenser and English forces reach Smerwick. (Maley, 14)

A letter from Sir Thomas Norris, James Goold, and George Thornton to the Privy Council mentions Irish forces marching on Arlo, meaning Spenser’s estate is threatened. Hadfield mentions that “this intelligence had been ignored by the Dublin…

Spenser accompanies Grey on military expedition to Dingle, County Kerry to engage with the Papal forces ensconced in the fort of Dunanoir—The Golden Fort—at Smerwick. (Maley, 14) "We can be sure that Spenser was with him, as there are…