Secretary and Lord Lieutenants

Question 1

Cromwell (1534):

Answer 1

 When Cromwell took office the secretary was essentially a member of the Household, whose importance lay in access to the king combined with an intimate knowledge of royal affairs.
 First became important in the 1530s under Cromwell – personal access to the monarch with control of the privy seal; very influential, extended influence to virtually every area of public life and in doing so set a precedent for later secretaries.
 Status recognised in the 1539 Act of Precedence, where it was listed as one of the great offices of the realm.
 Cromwell became Henry VIII’s Secretary in 1534 and manipulated his position to become most powerful man in the country – controlled council meetings, detailed knowledge of Henry’s day-to-day business.

Question 2

Fall of Cromwell 1540:

Answer 2

Declined in political importance – split between Thomas Wriothesely and Ralph Sadler; ensured no man could gain too much power or exploit position to his own advantage, also the duties of the Secretary increased as government became larger and more complex.

Question 3

Who was Elizabeths secretary?

Answer 3

William Cecil!

Question 4

What did William Cecil do?

Answer 4

William Cecil transformed post of secretary (1558-72) – professional bureaucrat who served in the reign of Edward VI, trusted by Elizabeth.

Question 5

Secretary?

Answer 5

Secretary was a member of the Privy Council and responsible for day-to-day running of the government on the Queen’s behalf – pursued by ambitious men who could build up power through access to the monarch