19 April – Clayton–Bulwer Treaty signed between the United Kingdom and the United States agreeing that neither nation is to colonize or control any Central American republic. The purpose is to prevent one country from building a canal across the isthmus that the other would not be able to use.[4]
Liberties Act provides a mechanism to enable the various liberties or independent jurisdictions in England and Wales to be merged into the geographical counties in which they lie.
Irish Franchise Act increases the rural electorate in Ireland.[6]
Undergraduates at Exeter College, Oxford arrange a "foot grind" (a cross-country steeplechase), the first organised university athletic event in Britain.[8]