Burghley

About Burghley - History of the Family

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William Cecil Lord Burghley (1520 - 1598)
William Cecil Lord Burghley (1520 - 1598)

William Cecil’s family originated in Herefordshire and his father was employed at the courts of Henry VIII and Edward IV. He was granted the land on which Burghley stands from crown after the dissolution of the monasteries, owned as it was by the Abbots of Peterborough.

William was involved in the downfall of the Lord Protector Somerset and was in some personal danger during the repressive reign of Mary I but contrived to give support and encouragement to Princess Elizabeth. At her succession in 1558, he became Principal Secretary and later Lord Treasurer. He was created Lord Burghley in 1571 and grants of land and Crown offices continued throughout his long life. Thomas his elder son became the Earl of Exeter in 1605, and Henry, the 10th Earl became the 1st Marquess in 1801.

None of the successors of Thomas became eminent politicians like their grandfather, but two, the 5th and 9th Earls made considerable alterations to the fabric and contents of the house.