Search the Collection

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

(1520 or 1521-1598), Lord High Treasurer

Sitter associated with 45 portraits
William Cecil served both Edward VI and Mary I but exercised most power when chief minister to their sister Elizabeth I. When she ascended to the throne, Elizabeth's first appointment was to make Cecil her principal secretary of state, making him the youngest member of her council. Throughout his life he was the queen's most influential minister, tempering her actions with cautious but decisive advice. As a result, the Queen nicknamed Cecil her 'Spirit'. He was created Baron Burghley in 1571, and was Lord High Treasurer and Chief Minister from 1572. The only serious threat to his influence came from Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, whose great dislike he returned.

3 Likes voting
is closed

Thanks for Liking

Please Like other favourites!
If they inspire you please support our work.

Make a donation Close

List Thumbnail

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, by Unknown Anglo-Netherlandish artist - NPG 2184

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

by Unknown Anglo-Netherlandish artist
oil on panel, 1560s
On display in Room 1 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 2184

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, by William Rogers, after  Unknown artist - NPG D21159

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

by William Rogers, after Unknown artist
line engraving, circa 1572-1604
NPG D21159

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, by Thomas Cecill - NPG D25114

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

by Thomas Cecill
line engraving, possibly early to mid 17th century
NPG D25114

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, after Unknown artist - NPG D25115

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

after Unknown artist
line engraving, possibly 17th century
NPG D25115

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, after Unknown artist - NPG D25116

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

after Unknown artist
line engraving, possibly 17th century
NPG D25116

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, after Unknown artist - NPG D25117

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

after Unknown artist
line engraving, possibly 17th century
NPG D25117

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, after Magdalena de Passe, after  Willem de Passe - NPG D21163

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

after Magdalena de Passe, after Willem de Passe
line engraving, 17th century
NPG D21163

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, by Thomas Cecill, after  William Rogers - NPG D21160

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

by Thomas Cecill, after William Rogers
line engraving, 1620s-1630s
NPG D21160

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, by Magdalena de Passe, by  Willem de Passe - NPG D21164

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

by Magdalena de Passe, by Willem de Passe
line engraving, published 1620
NPG D21164

Comments back to top

We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.

If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.