Cecil’s role in Elizabethan England

• He was someone Elizabeth trusted and believed she could rely upon, but much of their interaction took place in person and so little was written down that the historical record is limited
• They certainly were not of one mind on all matters, and perhaps they did not agree fully on anything, yet what is certain is that Cecil was at the heart of Elizabeth’s government for 40 years and determined to ensure the queen’s survival, and that she flourished
• Cecil was actively involved in almost every dimension of Elizabethan politics and governance; as Secretary of State, he was able to monitor the flow of correspondence through government
• Counsellor and political advisor to Queen from the start of her reign until his death (1598); attended 97% of Privy Council meetings through 1560s, dropped to 80% in 1570s due to health but kept close monitor through his son Robert
• Counsellor and political advisor to Queen from the start of her reign until his death (1598); attended 97% of Privy Council meetings through 1560s, dropped to 80% in 1570s due to health but kept close monitor through his son Robert
• Cecil never worked fully alone and collaborated with other key figures including his brother-in-law, Nicholas Bacon, and the financial mastermind Walter Mildmay
• Cecil also worked with men who achieved royal favour, including Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester; the cooperative nature of Elizabethan government was critical to stability and success, and Cecil’s role in this was imperative; he did not always agree with his colleagues – and his personal relationship with Dudley was awkward, but when it mattered they found a way to work together
• Also collaborated with Elizabeth's principal secretary, Francis Walsingham, to monitor international affairs, the pair maintained an information network designed to manage the threat of foreign involvement in England; n otably, with regard to the question of Mary, Queen of Scots, whom Cecil saw as the greatest threat to his religion, country and queen
• Domestic policy was dominated by religion and connected issues of marriage and succession; seems Cecil was in favour of Elizabeth marrying one of the candidates for her hand but never considered Dudley as being suitable; w hen Elizabeth did not marry, Cecil made plans for an interim government to serve in the event of Elizabeth’s death without a Protestant heir
• Cecil was as involved with local government as he was with national affairs, taking on key roles in the communities around his estates
• He built two great country houses: Theobalds in Hertfordshire, and Burghley House in Lincolnshire; he hosted royal visits and indulged his enjoyment of horticulture and collecting, filling his houses with books and paintings
• He was very significant to Elizabeth, he was key to her from day 1, even before she received the crown she came to him for advice - as he was loyal and prepared for anything Elizabeth would need him too
• She could rely on him, no mater his personal opinion (e.g. collaboration with Dudley); he was very active in his roles,and completed them well - making life easier for Elizabeth and her reign more stable