Biography of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury 1563-1612

Paternal Family Tree: Cecil

Maternal Family Tree: Anne Fitzwilliam 1504-1588

1564 Elizabeth I's visit to Cambridge University

1566 Elizabeth I's visit to Oxford University

1601 Essex Rebellion

1603 Main and Bye Plots

1604 Treaty of London

1605 Gunpowder Plot

In 1541 [his father] William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 20) and Mary Cheke were married.

On 21 Dec 1546 [his father] William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 26) and [his mother] Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley (age 20) were married.

On 01 Jun 1563 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury was born to William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 42) and Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley (age 37).

Elizabeth I's visit to Cambridge University

In Aug 1564 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 30) visited Cambridge University accompanied by William Howard 1st Baron Howard (age 54) and [his father] William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 43). William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 43) was created Master of Arts: Cambridge University.

John Astley (age 57) was created Master of Arts: Cambridge University.

On 10 Aug 1564 Edward Manners 3rd Earl of Rutland (age 15) was created Master of Arts: Cambridge University.

Elizabeth I's visit to Oxford University

Around Aug 1566 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 32) visited Oxford University. [his father] William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 45) was created Master of Arts: Oxford University.

On 25 Feb 1571 [his father] William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 50) was created 1st Baron Burghley. [his mother] Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley (age 45) by marriage Baroness Burghley.

Around 1580 John Stourton 9th Baron Stourton (age 27) and [his future sister-in-law] Frances Brooke (age 20) were married. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

In 1584 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 20) was elected MP Westminster.

In 1586 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 22) was elected MP Westminster.

In 1589 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 25) and Elizabeth Brooke (age 25) were married.

In 1589 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 25) was elected MP Hertfordshire.

On 04 Apr 1589 or 05 Apr 1589 [his mother] Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley (age 63) died. She was buried at the Chapel of St Nicholas, Westminster Abbey [Map].

On 28 Mar 1591 [his son] William Cecil 2nd Earl Salisbury was born to Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 27) and [his wife] Elizabeth Brooke (age 28).

In 1593 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 29) was elected MP Hertfordshire.

In 1593 [his daughter] Frances Cecil Countess Cumberland was born to Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 29) and [his wife] Elizabeth Brooke (age 29).

In 1597 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 33) was elected MP Hertfordshire.

In 1597 [his brother-in-law] William Brooke (age 31) died.

On 24 Jan 1597 [his wife] Elizabeth Brooke (age 34) died.

On 06 Mar 1597 [his former father-in-law] William Brooke 10th Baron Cobham (age 69) died. His son [his former brother-in-law] Henry Brooke 11th Baron Cobham (age 32) succeeded 11th Baron Cobham.

Before 1598 [his former brother-in-law] George Brooke (age 29) and Elizabeth Burgh were married.

On 04 Aug 1598 [his father] William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 77) died. His son [his half-brother] Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 56) succeeded 2nd Baron Burghley. He was buried at St Martin's Church, Stamford [Map] with a large free-standing Elizabethan Period monument under the north chapel arch, in coloured marbles with a figure on tomb chest under an arched canopy supported on paired columns. Attributed to Cornelius Cure. The emblem of the Knights of the Garter on William's left shoulder. Leg Garter. In his right-hand he is holding the Lord Treasurer Staff of Office; originally white.

The inscription one the monument is on contained within three panels: two on the south (Chancel) side, and one on the north (Chapel) side.

Sacred to God most good and great, and to memory. The most honourable and far renowned Lord William Cecil, Baron of Burghley, Lord High Treasurer of England, President of the Court of Wards, knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Privy Counsellor to the most serene Elizabeth, Queen of England, &c., and Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, under this tomb awaits the second coming of Christ: Who for the excellent endowments of the mind, was first made Privy Counsellor to Edward the sixth, King of England; afterwards to Queen Elizabeth: under whom being intrusted with the greatest and most weighty affairs of this kingdom, and above all others approved, in promoting the true religion, and providing for the safety and honour of the commonwealth; by his prudence, honesty, integrity, and great services to the nation, he obtained the highest honours: and when he had long enough to nature, long enough for glory, but not long enough to his country, quietly fell asleep in Christ. He had two wives: Mary, sister of Sir John Cheeke, knight, of whom ie begat one son, Thomas (age 56), now Baron of Burghley; and [his mother] Mildred, daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke, knight, who bore to him Sir Robert Cecil (age 35), knight, Privy Counsellor to Queen Elizabeth and President of the Court of Wards; [his sister] Anne, married to Edward, Earl of Oxford (age 48); and [his sister] Elizabeth (age 34) to William Wentworth, eldest son of Baron Wentworth.

Mary Cheke: she was born to Peter Cheke. In 1541 William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley and she were married. In Feb 1543 Mary Cheke died.

Elizabeth Cecil: On 01 Jul 1564 she was born to William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley and Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley. On 26 Feb 1582 William Wentworth and she were married.

Letters from Sir Robert Cecil to Sir George Carew Section 8 XVII. 05 Feb 1600. Court. To George Carew 1st Earl Totnes (age 44).

We have no news but that there is a misfortune befallen Mistris Fitton (age 21) for she is proved with child, and the E. of Pembroke (age 19) being examyned confesseth a ffact, but utterly renounceth all marriage. I fear they will both dwell in the Tower [Map] awhyle, for the Queen (age 66) have vowed to send them thether.

When you thing fit you may send over 1076 [Desmond] but retain his patent with yourself. You shall not need to send to know her Ma'ties further pleasure. In many wayes lett not Cashell come over. The more excpectation which 1076 leaveth behynd him o returne the better construction wilbe made of his departure.

Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 36).

In 1601 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 37) was elected MP Hertfordshire.

Essex Rebellion

After 08 Feb 1601 Henry Wriothesley 3rd Earl of Southampton (age 27) was sentenced to death during the Essex Rebellion. Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 67) on the advice of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 37) commuted the punishment to life imprisonment.

In Jul 1601 Nicholas Hilliard (age 54) wrote to Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 38), asking permission to retire from London and live more cheaply in the countryside. He explained that he had trained apprentices who now competed with him in the private painting market. Hilliard asked that Cecil employ his son as a clerk, because he could not keep him in his own trade.

Around 1602 John Critz (age 51). Portrait of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 38).

Main and Bye Plots

On 05 Dec 1603 [his former brother-in-law] George Brooke (age 35) was executed for his part in the Main and Bye Plots.

Treaty of London

Around 1604 John Critz (age 53) is believed to have contributed to the Somerset House Conference painting of the negotiation of the Treaty of London in which Thomas Sackville 1st Earl Dorset (age 68), Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham (age 68), Charles Blount 1st Earl Devonshire (age 41), Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton (age 63) and Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 40) are represented on the right side.

In 1605 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 41) was created 1st Earl Salisbury.

On 04 Mar 1605 Maximilian Colt (age 30) signed an agreement with the lord treasurer, Sir Robert Cecil (age 41), to carve a monument above the grave of Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland in the King Henry VII Chapel, Westminster Abbey [Map] for 600l. The work was completed at the end of 1606.

Gunpowder Plot

On 26 Oct 1605 William Parker 4th Baron Monteagle 14th Baron Marshal 13th Baron Morley (age 30) received a letter warning of the Gunpowder Plot and showed it to Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 42) who then showed it to the King at Hoxton.

In 1606 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 42) was appointed 401st Knight of the Garter by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 39).

Gunpowder Plot The Effect Of the Indictment. On 27 Jan 1606 the trial of the conspirators took place at Westminster Hall [Map].

The Commissioners were:.

Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham (age 70).

Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 44).

Edward Somerset 4th Earl of Worcester (age 56).

Charles Blount 1st Earl Devonshire (age 43).

Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton (age 65).

Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 42).

John Popham (age 75).

Thomas Fleming (age 61).

Peter Warburton (age 66).

The Effect of the Indictment.

Note. We have broken this very lengthy paragraph up into more manageable chunks..

THAT whereas our Sovereign Lord the King (age 39) had, by the Advice and Assent of his Council, for divers weighty and urgent Occasions concerning, his Majesty, the State, and Defence of the Church and Kingdom of England, appointed a Parliament to be holden at his City of Westminster; That Henry Garnet (age 50), Superior of the Jesuits within the Realm of England, (called also by the several names of Wally, Darcy, Roberts, Farmer, and Henry Philips), Oswald Tesmond Jesuit (age 43), otherwise called Oswald Greenwell, John Gerrard Jesuit (age 41), (called also by the several names of Lee and Brooke), Robert Winter (age 38), Thomas Winter (age 35), Gentlemen, Guy Fawkes (age 35) Gent. otherwise called Guy Johnson, Robert Keyes Gent. and Thomas Bates Yeoman, late Servant to Robert Catesby Esquire; together with the said Robert Catesby and Thomas Percy Esquires, John Wright and Christopher Wright Gentlemen, in open Rebellion and Insurrection against his Majesty, lately slain, and Francis Tresham Esq; lately dead; as false Traitors against our said Sovereign Lord the King, did traitorously meet and assemble themselves together; and being so met, the said Henry Garnet (age 50), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), John Gerrard (age 41), and other Jesuits, did maliciously, falsly, and traitorously move and persuade as well the said Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, as the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Christopher Wright, and Francis Tresham, That our said Sovereign Lord the King, the Nobility, Clergy, and whole Commonalty of the Realm of England, (Papists excepted) were Hereticks; and that all Hereticks were accursed and excommunicate; and that none Heretick could be a King; but that it was lawful and meritorious to kill our said Sovereign Lord the King, and all other Hereticks within this Realm of England, for the Advancing and Enlargement of the pretended and usurped Authority and Jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome, and for the restoring of the superstitious Romish Religion within this Realm of England.

To which traitorous Persuasions, the said Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Christopher Wright, and Francis Tresham, traitorously did yield their Assents: And that thereupon the said Henry Garnet (age 50), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), John Gerrard (age 41), and divers other Jesuits; Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, as also the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Christopher Wright and Francis Tresham, traitorously amongst themselves did conclude and agree, with Gunpowder, as it were with one Blast, suddenly, traitorously and barbarously to blow up and tear in pieces our said Sovereign Lord the King, the excellent, virtuous and gracious Queen Anne, his dearest Wife, the most noble Prince Henry, their eldest Son, and future Hope and Joy of England; and the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, the Reverend Judges of the Realm, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of Parliament, and divers other faithful Subjects and Servants of the King in the said Parliament, for the Causes aforesaid, to be assembled in the House of Parliament; and all them, without any respect of Majesty, Dignity, Degree, Sex, Age or Place, most barbarously, and more than beastly, traitorously and suddenly to destroy and swallow up.

And further did most traitorously conspire and conclude among themselves, That not only the whole Royal Issue-Male of our said Sovereign Lord the King should be destroyed and rooted out; but that the Persons aforesaid, together with divers other false Traitors, traitorously with them to be assembled, should surprize the Persons of the most noble Ladies Elizabeth and Mary, Daughters of our said Sovereign Lord the King, and falsly and traitorously should proclaim the said Lady Elizabeth to be Queen of this Realm: And thereupon should publish a Proclamation in the name of the said Lady Elizabeth; wherein, as it was especially agreed by and between the said Conspirators, That no mention should be made at the first, of the alteration of Religion established within within this Realm of England; neither would the said false Traitors therein acknowledge themselves to be Authors, or Actors, or Devisers of the aforesaid most wicked and horrible Treasons, until they had got sufficient Power and Strength for the assured Execution and Accomplishment of their said Conspiracy and Treason; and that then they would avow and justify the said most wicked and horrible Treasons, as Actions that were in the number of those, Quae non laudantur, nisi peracta, which be not to be commended before they be done: but by the said feign'd and traitorous Proclamation they would publish, That all and singular Abuses and Grievances within this Realm of England, should, for satisfying of the People, be reform'd.

And that as well for the better concealing, as for the more effectual accomplishing of the said horrible Treasons, as well the said Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, as the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Christopher Wright, and Francis Tresham, by the traitorous Advice and Procurement of the said Henry Garnet (age 50), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), John Gerrard (age 41), and other Jesuits, traitorously did further conclude and agree, that as well the said Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, as the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Christopher Wright, and Francis Tresham, thereupon severally and traitorously should receive several corporal Oaths upon the holy Evangelists, and the Sacrament of the Eucharist, That they the Treasons aforesaid would traitorously conceal and keep secret, and would not reveal them, directly or indirectly, by Words or Circumstances, nor ever would desist from the Execution and final Accomplishment of the said Treasons, without the consent of some three of the aforesaid false Traitors first in that behalf traitorously had: And that thereupon as well the said Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, as the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Christ. Wright, and Francis Tresham, did traitorously take the said several corporal Oaths severally, and did receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist aforesaid, by the Hands of the said Henry Garnet (age 50), John Gerrard (age 41), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), and other Jesuits.

And further, that the said Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35),Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, together with the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright,Christopher Wright, and Francis Tresham, by the like traitorous Advice and Counsel of the said Henry Garnet (age 50), John Gerrard (age 41), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), and other Jesuits, for the more effectual compassing and final execution of the said Treasons, did traitorously among themselves conclude and agree to dig a certain Mine under the said House of Parliament, and there secretly, under the said House, to bestow and place a great Quantity of Gunpowder; and that according to the said traitorous Conclusion, the said Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomes Bates, together with the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, and Christopher Wright, afterwards secretly, not without great labour and difficulty, did dig and make the said Mine unto the midst of the Foundation of the Wall of the said House of Parliament, the said Foundation being of the thickness of three yards, with a traitorous Intent to bestow and place a great Quantity of Gunpowder in the Mine aforesaid, so as aforesaid traitorously to be made for the traitorous accomplishing of their traitorous Purposes aforesaid.

And that the said Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, together with the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, and Christopher Wright, finding and perceiving the said Work to be of great difficulty, by reason of the Hardness and thickness of the said Wall; and understanding a certain Cellar under the said House of Parliament, and adjoining to a certain House of the said Thomas Percy, then to be letten to farm for a yearly Rent, the said Thomas Percy, by the traitorous Procurement, as well of the said Henry Garnet (age 50), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), John Gerrard (age 41), and other Jesuits, Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, as of the said Robert Catesby, John Wright, and Christopher Wright, traitorously did hire the Cellar aforesaid for a certain yearly Rent and Term: and then those Traitors did remove twenty Barrels full of Gunpowder out of the said House of the said Thomas Percy, and secretly and traitorously did bestow and place them in the Cellar aforesaid, under the said House of Parliament, for the traitorous effecting of the Treason, and traitorous Purposes aforesaid.

And that afterwards the said Henry Garnet (age 50), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), John Gerrard (age 41), and other Jesuits, Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes and Thomas Bates, together with the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, and Christopher Wright traitorously did meet with Robert Winter (age 38), John Grant, and Ambrose Rookwood, and Francis Tresham, Esquires; and traitorously did impart to the said Robert Winter (age 38), John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, and Francis Tresham, the Treasons, traitorous Intentions and Purposes aforesaid; and did require the said Robert Winter (age 38), John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, and Francis Tresham, to join themselves as well with the said Henry Garnet (age 50), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), John Gerrard (age 41), Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, as with the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, and Christopher Wright, in the Treasons, traitorous Intentions and Purposes aforesaid; and traitorously to provide Horse, Armour, and other Necessaries, for the better Accomplishment and effecting of the said Treasons.

To which traitorous Motion and Request, the said Robert Winter (age 38), John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, and Francis Tresham, did traitorously yield their Assents, and as well with the said Henry Garnet (age 50), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), John Gerrard (age 41), Robert Winter (age 38), Thomas Winter (age 35), Guy Fawkes (age 35), Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, as with the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Christopher Wright, and Francis Tresham, in the said Treasons, traitorous Intentions and Purposes aforesaid, traitorously did adhere and unite themselves: And thereupon several corporal Oaths, in form abovesaid, traitorously did take, and the Sacrament of the Eucharist, by the hands of the said Jesuits did receive, to such intent and Purpose, as is aforesaid; and Horses, Armour, and other Necessaries for the better effecting of the said Treasons, according to their traitorous Assents aforesaid, traitorously did provide.

And that afterwards all the said false Traitors did traitorously provide, and bring into the Cellar aforesaid ten other Barrels full of Gunpowder, newly bought, fearing lest the former Gunpowder, so as aforesaid bestow'd and placed there, was become dankish; and the said several Quantities of: Gunpowder aforesaid, with Billets and Faggots, lest they should be spy'd, secretly and traitorously did cover.

And that afterwards the said false Traitors traitorously provided, and brought into the Cellar aforesaid, four Hogsheads full of Gunpowder, and laid divers great Iron Bars and Stones upon the said four Hogsheads, and the aforesaid other Quantities of Gunpowder: And the said Quantities of Gunpowder, Bars, and Stones, with Billets and Faggots, lest they should be espy'd, secretly and traitorously did likewise cover.

And that the said Guy Fawkes (age 35), afterwards, for a full and final Accomplishment of the said Treasons, traitorous Intentions and Purposes aforesaid, by the traitorous Procurement, as well of the said Henry Garnet (age 50), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), John Gerrard (age 41), and other Jesuits, Robert Winter (age 38), Thomas Winter (age 35), Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, John Grant, and Ambrose Rookwood, as of the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Christopher Wright, and Francis Tresham, traitorously had prepared, and had upon his Person Touchwood and Match, therewith traitorously to give fire to the several Barrels, Hogsheads, and Quantities of Gunpowder aforesaid, at the time appointed for the Execution of the said horrible Treasons.

And further, that after the said horrible Treasons were, by the great Favour and Mercy of God, in a wonderful manner discover'd, not many hours before it should have been executed, as well the said Henry Garnet (age 50), Oswald Tesmond (age 43), John Gerrard (age 41), Robert Winter (age 38), Thomas Winter (age 35), Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, John Grant, and Ambrose Rookwood, as the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, and Christopher Wright, traitorously did fly and withdraw themselves, to the intent traitorously to stir up and procure such Popish Persons, as they could, to join with them in actual, publick and open Rebellion against our said Sovereign Lord the King; and to that end did publish divers feigned and false Rumours, that the Papists Throats should have been cut; and that thereupon divers Papists were in Arms, and in open, publick, and actual Rebellion against our said Sovereign Lord the King, in divers Parts of this Realm of England.

On 01 Dec 1608 [his son] William Cecil 2nd Earl Salisbury (age 17) and [his daughter-in-law] Catherine Howard Countess Salisbury were married. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 47) and Mary Dacre. He the son of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 45) and Elizabeth Brooke.

In 1610 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 46) developed St Martin's Lane when he was granted five acres of its west side. It was originally called West Church Lane. Its name was changed in 1618.

On 25 Jul 1610 [his son-in-law] Henry Clifford 5th Earl of Cumberland (age 19) and [his daughter] Frances Cecil Countess Cumberland (age 17) were married. She the daughter of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 47) and Elizabeth Brooke. He the son of Francis Clifford 4th Earl of Cumberland (age 51) and Grisold Hughes Countess Cumberland.

On 24 May 1612 Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 48) died at Marlborough, Wiltshire [Map]. His son [his son] William Cecil 2nd Earl Salisbury (age 21) succeeded 2nd Earl Salisbury. [his daughter-in-law] Catherine Howard Countess Salisbury by marriage Countess Salisbury.

Pepy's Diary. 11 Aug 1667. Lord's Day. Up by four o'clock, and ready with Mrs. Turner (age 44) to take coach before five; which we did, and set on our journey, and got to the Wells at Barnett [Map] by seven o'clock, and there found many people a-drinking; but the morning is a very cold morning, so as we were very cold all the way in the coach. Here we met Joseph Batelier, and I talked with him, and here was W. Hewer (age 25) also, and his uncle Steventon: so, after drinking three glasses and the women nothing, we back by coach to Barnett, where to the Red Lyon, where we 'light, and went up into the great Room, and there drank, and eat some of the best cheese-cakes that ever I eat in my life, and so took coach again, and W. Hewer (age 25) on horseback with us, and so to Hatfield, Hertfordshire, to the inn, next my Lord Salisbury's house, and there rested ourselves, and drank, and bespoke dinner; and so to church, it being just church-time, and there we find my Lord and my Lady Sands and several fine ladies of the family, and a great many handsome faces and genteel persons more in the church, and did hear a most excellent good sermon, which pleased me mightily, and very devout; it being upon, the signs of saving grace, where it is in a man, and one sign, which held him all this day, was, that where that grace was, there is also the grace of prayer, which he did handle very finely. In this church lies the former Lord of Salisbury, Cecil, buried in a noble tomb.

Thomas Sondes and Margaret Brooke were married.

Survey London Volume 4 Chelsea Part II. More's estate was granted to Sir William Paulet [See Patent Roll, I Edward VI., pt. 3.] (first Marquess of Winchester): it was inherited by his son the second Marquess, and in 1575 passed to Gregory Fiennes, Lord Dacre of the South, and his wife Anne - the foundress of those charming almshouses, Emmanuel Hospital, Westminster, now destroyed - who was a daughter of the Marchioness of Winchester by her former husband, Sir Robert Sackville. Baroness Dacre, who died in 1595, left the house to [his father] Lord Burleigh, who is said to have lived here, and he was followed by his youngest son, Sir Robert Cecil, afterwards Earl of Salisbury, who took possession in 1597. It is to Cecil's passion for building, which was not exhausted until he had parted with his fortune in completing Hatfield, that we owe the earliest representations on paper of the house at Chelsea. In his Chelsea Old Church Mr. Randall Davies published a reproduction of a beautiful plan of the Chelsea Estate, preserved among the Hatfield papers, and the present writer in some further research among Lord Salisbury's MSS. found five plans to a larger scale, all of which have reference to Cecil's schemes for rebuilding Sir Thomas More's house. For a detailed examination of these plans, the reader is referred to the Architectural Review of March and May, 1911, but by the courtesy of the proprietors of the Review, the reproductions are included here.

Royal Ancestors of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury 1563-1612

Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 19 Grand Son of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 21 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 19 Grand Son of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd

Kings England: Great x 12 Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 16 Grand Son of Malcolm III King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 23 Grand Son of Louis "Pious" King Aquitaine I King Franks

Kings France: Great x 17 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King France

Royal Descendants of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury 1563-1612

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom x 2

Diana Spencer Princess Wales x 2

Ancestors of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury 1563-1612

Great x 3 Grandfather: Philip Cecil

Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Cecil

Great x 1 Grandfather: David Cecil

GrandFather: Richard Cecil

Great x 1 Grandmother: Alice Dicons

Father: William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Heckington

GrandMother: Jane Heckington

Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury 12 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Cooke of Lavenham in Suffolk

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Cooke

Great x 2 Grandfather: Philip Cooke

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Cooke of Gidea Hall

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Belnap

GrandFather: Anthony Cooke

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Saunders of Banbury in Oxfordshire

Great x 1 Grandmother: Alice Saunders

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Spencer of Hodnell in Warwickshire

Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Spencer

Mother: Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Fitzwilliam 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Fitzwilliam 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Maud Cromwell 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Fitzwilliam 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Fitzwilliam 9 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

GrandMother: Anne Fitzwilliam 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England