The development of the role of the Secretary

Question 1

The role of the secretary

Answer 1

Became political importance in the 1530s - the secretary was essentially a member of the Household, whose importance lay in access to the king combined with intimate knowledge of royal affairs.

Question 2

Increase in political importance due to Cromwell

Answer 2

Personal access to the monarch with control of the Privy seal - very influential in virtually all areas of public life.

Question 3

Thomas Cromwell

Answer 3

• A lawyer which rose to favour during Henry’s ‘Great Matter’, becoming Sec in 1534. He was a protestant but he suggested divorce was a legal matter, not theological.
• Used his position to become the second-most powerful man after Henry, despite not being Lord Chancellor like Wolsey.
• Controlled Council meetings and his access to the King’s private correspondence meant he had detailed knowledge of Henry’s business.

Question 4

Thomas Wriothesley and Ralph Salder

Answer 4

• Following Cromwell’s fall in 1540 - split position between two men for the first time and neither were as powerful as Cromwell.
• Post declined in political importance - partly in response to the increased workload and also ensuring nobody could exploit the position to their own advantage.

Question 5

William Cecil and Francis Walsingham

Answer 5

• Position grew in political importance upon the appointment of Cecil in 1558-72 - the first to display similar power to Cromwell.
• Later Secretaries were equally influential. For example, Walsingham held office from 1573-90.
• But, having two secretaries in power usually meant one were more dominant.

Question 6

How did the position under Elizabeth become more permanent?

Answer 6

• Appointed men who used it to enhance their own power and to conduct the day-to-day running of the government on the Queen’s behalf.
• Duties varied = being tactful as they had to deal with the Queen, ensure Council meetings were well-run, and sift through enormous amounts of information sent to them.
• Could be dangerous - form of William Davidson.

Question 7

How did the position of Sec be dangerous under Elizabeth?

William Davidson

Answer 7

• Responsible for keeping the death warrant issued for the execution of Mary Scots - critical as she was Liz’s rival to the throne.
• Signed, despite her reluctance, and had asked Davidson to keep it safe but Council sent it off. Elizabeth blamed Davidson - tried, imprisoned and forced to pay a fine of 10,000 marks (despite being released, he was never employed by her again).
• Example showed just how exposed the position could be.
• E refused to fill his post for six years, despite the ambitious men vying for the position.

Question 8

Robert Cecil

Answer 8

• Used his position to build up a network of supporters, having access to the Queen’s correspondence = included info about the offices and positions and its requests.
• Ensured patronage was distributed to his own clients, whilst ensuring the followers of his rivals (Earl of Essex) were not rewarded.