Sir Francis Walsingham (1530-1590), Statesman

Sitter associated with 29 portraits
Walsingham established and ran the great Elizabethan secret service, providing information particularly for William Cecil, Lord Burghley. Its spies operated mainly against Roman Catholic conspirators and the agents of Philip II of Spain. As Secretary of State (1573-90), Walsingham continually advised Elizabeth to wage war on Spain and foresaw the threat of the Armada. He secured the conviction and execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.