William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (sometimes spelt
Burleigh) (13 September 1520 – 4 August 1598) was an English statesman, the chief advisor of
Queen Elizabeth I for most of her reign, twice
Secretary of State (1550–1553 and 1558–1572) and
Lord High Treasurer from 1572. He was the founder of the
Cecil dynasty which has produced many politicians including two Prime Ministers.