John Norreys

Timeline

1. c. 1565–1576London · EnglandNorreys came from a military family and took up arms in his youth, gaining experience in England and early overseas operations, gradually distinguishing himself and becoming a reserve of talent for Elizabeth I's interventions in continental wars.
2. 1577–1580Flanders · FlandersFrom 1577 Norreys led English troops to the Netherlands, fighting the Spanish and their allies under the Earl of Leicester. He took part in actions at Rimmenham and elsewhere in 1578, excelling in maneuver and surprise attacks, becoming one of the most prominent English commanders on the continent in the Elizabethan era.
3. 1581–1597Ireland · IrelandAfter the 1580s Norreys continued to take part in campaigns in the Netherlands, among French Huguenots, and in Portugal, and was repeatedly sent to Ireland to suppress rebellions. His military career spanned Elizabeth's foreign expansion and domestic stabilization; he died of illness in Ireland in 1597 while with the army.