William Cecil, Lord Burghley

Short Biography of the life of William Cecil - Diplomat, Politician and Statesman
The following biography information provides basic facts about the life William Cecil, Lord Burghley:

• Nationality - English

• Lifespan - 1520 -1598

• Family - Father was Richard Cyssell (Cecil) of Burghley. His nephew was Francis Bacon. His daughter Anne married Edward De Vere. His second son, Robert Cecil followed in his father's footsteps and became advisor to Queen Elizabeth

• Education - St. John's College, Cambridge

• Career - Diplomat, Politician and Statesman

• Famous as the Chief Advisor to Queen Elizabeth I

Facts & History about the life of William Cecil, Lord Burghley
The following are additional facts about the life and history of William Cecil, Lord Burghley:

• 1535 married Mary Cheke and had a son called Thomas. His first wife died 22 February 1544

• William Cecil rose to prominence during the protectorate of Edward Seymour, duke of Somerset

• 21 March 1545 William Cecil married Mildred Cooke. They had two daughters, Mildred and Anne and on 1 June 1563 their son, Robert Cecil, was born

• 1550-1553 William Cecil then served as secretary of state during the era of John Dudley but he avoided involvement the plot to make Lady Jane Grey Queen of England

• William Cecil served Queen Mary as a diplomat and was elected a Member of Parliament

• In October 1551 he was knighted

• In April 1552 he was appointed Chancellor of the Order of the Garter

• 1558-1572 He served Queen Elizabeth I as secretary

• February 25, 1571 - Sir William Cecil is created Lord Burghley

• 1572-1598 William Cecil then served Queen Elizabeth I in the position of Lord Treasurer

• He was extremely ambitious to further the career of his intelligent and able son Robert. And Robert was eventually given a position on the Privy Council

• Lord Burghley and Sir Francis Walsingham devised an intricate spy network during the latter years of Elizabeth's reign that succeeded in uncovering the Babington Plot of 1586

• Lord Burghley and Sir Francis Walsingham were instrumental in convincing Queen Elizabeth to have Mary Queen of Scots executed in 1587

• In 1590 Lord Burghley, at the age of 70, lost his hearing but continued to serve Queen Elizabeth who looked upon him as a father figure

• William Cecil, Lord Burghley, died on 4 August 1598

Interesting Facts & Information about Elizabethan Times and William Cecil, Lord Burghley
Some interesting facts and biography information about the History, Life & Times of William Cecil, Lord Burghley

Famous Elizabethans - William Cecil, Lord Burghley - Diplomat, Politician and Statesman
Additional details, facts, history and information about the famous Elizabethans and events in Elizabethan Times can be accessed via the Elizabethan Era Sitemap.