1590. Publication of Edmund Spenser's poetry The Faerie Queene and his satire Mother Hubbard's Tale.; Publication of Thomas Lodge's prose tale Rosalynde: Euphues Golden Legacie.; 1591. 10 April – merchant James Lancaster sets off on a voyage to the East Indies.; 22 July – the Durtnell (Dartnell) family of Brasted, Kent, begin to work as building contractors.

A codpiece (from Middle English: cod, meaning "scrotum") is a covering flap or pouch that attaches to the front of the crotch of men's trousers, enclosing the genital area. It may be held closed by string ties, buttons, folds, or other methods. It was an important fashion item of European clothing during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In the modern era, clothing …