The Great Lord Burghley: A Study in Elizabethan Statecraft

by Martin Andrew Sharp Hume

In a time of great turbulence — in religion, in politics, in alliances — Elizabeth I had always one man she could turn " a man whom flattery did not move, whom bribery did not buy — wise, steady William Cecil, who, to her honour and his, remained her prime adviser from the moment of her accession to the day of his death. "
Elizabeth's "spirit" was an interesting man. He was cautious and analytical, devious and prudent, proud of his heritage and his position, and quite extraordinarily industrious. There were many that worked against him and sought his downfall, but even these would confidently seek his aid in a matter of justice.

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534 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1898

About the author

Martin Andrew Sharp Hume, (1843 -1910) born Martin Andrew Sharp, was an English historian and longtime resident of Spain.

After some practice in journalism, he meanwhile produced his first book, A Chronicle of King Henry VIII of England (1889), a translation from the Spanish. Though this attracted little attention, Hume persevered, and The Courtships of Queen Elizabeth; a History of the Various Negotiations for her Marriage, and The Year after the Armada, and other Historical Studies, both issued in 1896, were received with a degree of popular favour which led him to adopt authorship as a profession. In 1897, he published Sir Walter Ralegh and Philip II of Spain, the latter monograph showing insight and independence of view.

Next year Hume succeeded Pascual de Gayangos at the Public Record Office as editor of the Spanish State Papers, and did sound work in this capacity. However, his official duties did not absorb all his energies. In 1898, he published The Great Lord Burghley, a readable study, and Spain, its Greatness and Decay, 1479–1789, a useful historical outline, which he completed in the following year by the publication of Modern Spain, 1788-1898 (1899 ; new edit. 1906).

Reviews

[Shaina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. I hoped to gain insights into the political relationships of the time, especially into Elizabeth I and her two leading councilors, Leicester and Burghley. We know they all worked closely together, but the author apparently did not. Everything good in Elizabethan foreign policy he credits to Burghley. He dismisses the thoughts and policies not only of Leicester but of the queen.

Past misogynists could not conceive of a mere woman ruling a kingdom, let alone bringing it to new heights of greatness. Yet that was the accomplishment of Queen Elizabeth I. She was a brilliant, shrewd woman who yes, listened to advisors and then she alone made the decisions.

The author attempted to glorify Burghley while playing down Gloriana!

[Mr M J Coldrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding ELIZABETH

I have enjoyed this book. It gives an insight into the reasons behind policies adopted by Elizabeth 1 as Protestant and Catholic dogma/doctrine clashed in England and Europe. Fascinating