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William Cecil appoints himself English Secretary of State

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (13 September 1520 – 4 August 1598), was an English statesman, the chief adviser of Queen Elizabeth I for most of her reign, twice Secretary of State (1550–1553 and...

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (13 September 1520 – 4 August 1598), was an English statesman, the chief adviser of Queen Elizabeth I for most of her reign, twice Secretary of State (1550–1553 and 1558–1572) and Lord High Treasurer from 1572. In his description in the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, A. F. Pollard wrote, "From 1558 for forty years the biography of Cecil is almost indistinguishable from that of Elizabeth and from the history of England." He was raised to the peerage as Baron Burghley in February 1571.

Cecil set as the main goal of English policy the creation of a united and Protestant British Isles. His methods were to complete the control of Ireland, and to forge an alliance with Scotland. Protection from invasion required a powerful Royal Navy.

Historical Significance

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (13 September 1520 – 4 August 1598), was an English statesman, the chief adviser of Queen Elizabeth I for most of her reign, twice Secretary of State (1550–1553 and 1558–1572) and Lord High Treasurer from 1572.

Events Before

  1. The city of Salvador da Bahia, the first capital of Brazil, is founded

    Salvador], formerly known as Cidade do São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, literally "City of the Holy Savior of the Bay of All the Saints") is a Brazilian municipality and capital city of the…

  2. Book of Common Prayer is adopted by the Church of England

    The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is the title of a number of related prayer books used in the Anglican Communion and by other Christian churches historically related to Anglicanism.

  3. Tomé de Sousa appointed as the 1st Governor-General of Brazil

    Tomé de Sousa (1503–1579) was the first governor-general of the Portuguese colony of Brazil from 1549 until 1553. He was a nobleman and soldier born in Rates, Póvoa de Varzim.

  4. Kett's uprising occupies Norwich, England

    Kett's Rebellion was a revolt in the English county of Norfolk during the reign of Edward VI, largely in response to the enclosure of land.

  5. Jews are expelled from Ghent, Belgium

    Jews are expelled from Ghent, Belgium

Events After

  1. William I, Prince of Orange (18) weds Dutch noble and heiress Countess Anna van Egmont (18), until her death in 1558

    William I, Prince of Orange (18) weds Dutch noble and heiress Countess Anna van Egmont (18), until her death in 1558

  2. English premier John Dudley appointed Duke of Northumberland

    English premier John Dudley appointed Duke of Northumberland

  3. San Marcos University in Lima, Peru, opens (oldest continuously operating university in the Americas)

    San Marcos University in Lima, Peru, opens (oldest continuously operating university in the Americas)

  4. Treaty of Karlsburg: Arch Duke Ferdinand of Austria recognized as King of Hungary and Transylvania

    Treaty of Karlsburg: Arch Duke Ferdinand of Austria recognized as King of Hungary and Transylvania

  5. Ottoman fleet under Dragut captures Tripoli from the Knights of Malta after a six-day bombardment

    The siege of Tripoli was a successful Ottoman siege of the North African city of Tripoli, then held by the Knights Hospitaller, in August 1551.

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City of São Paulo founded in Brazil

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 5, 1550?
William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (13 September 1520 – 4 August 1598), was an English statesman, the chief adviser of Queen Elizabeth I for most of her reign, twice Secretary of State (1550–1553 and 1558–1572) and Lord High Treasurer from 1572. In his description in the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, A. F.
Why is William Cecil appoints himself English Secretary of State significant?
William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (13 September 1520 – 4 August 1598), was an English statesman, the chief adviser of Queen Elizabeth I for most of her reign, twice Secretary of State (1550–1553 and 1558–1572) and Lord High Treasurer from 1572.

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September 5 in HistoryYear 1550