On this day in Tudor history, 25th August 1526, Mildred Cecil, Lady Burghley, was born into the influential Cooke family of Gidea Hall, Essex.
Mildred was the daughter of scholar, humanist and royal tutor, Sir Anthony Cooke, but is best known as the wife of Elizabeth I's chief advisor, William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley. However, Mildred was a powerhouse in her own right, a remarkable woman, and one of the most learned women of her age.
In this video, I uncover the fascinating life of Mildred Cecil:
- Her extraordinary humanist education, ranking her alongside Lady Jane Grey.
- Her marriage to William Cecil, forming a true Tudor power couple.
- Her scholarship, translations, and magnificent library.
- Her role at Elizabeth I’s court and her influence behind the scenes.
- The legacy she left behind — from books gifted to schools and universities to her resting place in Westminster Abbey.
Leave a Reply