WILLIAM CECIL
This was Elizabeth’s most important political relationship Many of her councillors served the queen until they died
Secretary of State Lord Treasurer Privy Councillor Master of the Court of Wards
A secretary was expected to negotiate at home and abroad – foreign affairs He also had to deal with the Queen which gave him special access
WHY CECIL? Similar education to Elizabeth Both enjoyed Protestantism during Edward’s reign Both outwardly conformed during Mary’s reign From 1550 Cecil was an officer in Elizabeth’s household
THEIR RELATIONSHIP Mutual trust and respect He always put God first He believed in obedience
DISAGREEMENT Over giving military aid to Scottish Protestants against Catholic military Over her relationship with Robert Dudley Over her refusal to consider changes to her church Her refusal to name a successor or get married Her slowness in dealing with Mary Stuart
He always gave honest advice Loyal and always carried out her policies Used less prominent men to push through unpopular policies to preserve their positions
Elizabeth took advice from other councillors to keep them all on their toes
SHARING Elizabeth and Cecil were both cautious conservatives Elizabeth protected Cecil when he was threatened by a plot She created him as Lord Burghley ‘her spirit’ She nursed him on his death-bed Elizabeth accepted his son as his successor
From: Queen Elizabeth l , Michael A.R. Graves