William Cecil Biography

Birth of William Cecil

Appointed Seymour Household where much state business is settled

Appointed Secretary of State

Appointed Chief Secretary of State

Appointed member of Elizabeth I's Council

Cecil begins organizing the new queen's correspondence and state papers

Elizabeth is rejects the Treaty because France does not recognise Calais as English

The French agree to leave Scotland. Secures the Treaty of Edinburgh with the French

Cecil helps shape English policy supporting the Scottish Protestant lords

Cecil briefs the Privy Council on the consequences of the Edinburgh settlement

Cecil protects Elizabeth's claim over Calais while accepting Scottish peace terms

Cecil supports arrangements for Scottish government by a council of nobles

Cecil helps shape the treaty terms for withdrawal of foreign forces

Cecil secures terms requiring French troops to leave Scotland

Cecil manages correspondence on Mary of Scots return and Scottish affairs

Cecil supports legislation ordering labour and apprenticeship policy

Cecil tries to arrange a marriage between Elizabeth I & Archduke Charles

Urges Elizabeth I to keep Mary Queen of Scots under arrest in England

Created Lord Burghley, 1st

Appointed Lord Treasurer

Supports the political response to the Throckmorton Plot and foreign threats

Created Lord Burghley, the 2nd

Death of William Cecil

Appointed President of the Council of the North