1656 - Definition and Overview

Events

• Masuria is devastated during the Deluge when it was raided by Tartars and Poles
• End of the war started in 1648 between Poland, Ducal Prussia, Russia and Transylvania.
• The only year the British coin Fifty Shillings was minted.
• The year in which Adams' Grammar School in Shropshire, England was founded by William Adams.

Births

• May 31 - Marin Marais, French composer and viol player.
• October 29 (Julian calendar) - Edmond Halley, English scientist
• Patrick Abercromby, Scottish physician and antiquarian

Deaths

• March 21 - James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland between 1625-1656
• October 2 - Myles Standish, Mayflower colonist
• November 6 - King John IV of Portugal
• Jan van Goyen, painter
• Stephen Bachiler, English clergyman