The Great Lord Burghley: A study in Elizabethan statecraft

Name: The Great Lord Burghley: A study in Elizabethan statecraft
Author: Martin A. S. Hume

By Martin A. S. Hume

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Biographies History - British History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)History - Religious History - Royalty Politics

About This Book

The book examines the career and political methods of William Cecil, Lord Burghley, who served as chief adviser to Queen Elizabeth, analyzing how his prudence, administrative skill, and preference for political over doctrinal solutions shaped national policy. It traces his use of religion as an instrument to secure independence, his cautious balancing of rival continental powers—especially suspicion of France and a wary approach to Spain—and his resistance to faction, bribery, and impulsive counsel. Combining biography with diplomatic history, the study argues that steadiness and long-term strategy sustained domestic stability amid turbulent international currents.

About the Author

Martin A. S. Hume

Martin A. S. Hume was a British historian and biographer known for his detailed studies of Spanish and English history during the Renaissance and early modern periods. His notable works include "Philip II. of Spain," which explores the life and reign of the Spanish monarch, and "The Wives of Henry the Eighth and the Parts They Played in History," where he examines the influential roles of Henry VIII's queens. Hume's writings often reflect a deep engagement with the political and cultural dynamics of his subjects, contributing to a greater understanding of historical figures and events. His scholarship remains a valuable resource for those interested in the intricacies of European history.