Mildred Cooke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lady Burghley
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Effigies of Mildred, Lady Burghley, and her daughter, Anne, Countess of Oxford, in Westminster Abbey
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| Born | 1526 |
| Died | 4 April 1589 (aged 62–63) Cecil House, Strand, London
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| Burial place | Westminster Abbey, London |
| Known for | translator |
| Title | Lady Burghley |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Francisca Cecil Anne Cecil, Countess of Oxford William Cecil William Cecil (again) Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury Elizabeth Cecil |
| Parent(s) | Sir Anthony Cooke Anne Fitzwilliam |
Mildred Cecil, Baroness Burghley (born Mildred Cooke; 1526 – 4 April 1589) was an important English noblewoman and translator who lived in the 1500s. She was married to William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, who was the most trusted advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Mildred was also the mother of Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, who later advised King James I. She was known for her intelligence and love of learning.
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Mildred's Family and Early Life
Mildred Cooke was born in 1526. She was the oldest of five daughters of Sir Anthony Cooke. Her father was a well-known scholar who believed in educating his daughters just as much as his sons. This was quite unusual for the time!
Mildred's mother was Anne Fitzwilliam. Mildred had four brothers and four sisters. Three of her sisters were also famous for being very smart and well-educated, just like Mildred. For example, her sister Anne Cooke married Sir Nicholas Bacon, another important person in Queen Elizabeth's government.
A Life of Learning and Influence
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Mildred was educated at home by her father, Sir Anthony Cooke. People at the time praised her and her sisters for how much they knew. One writer, John Strype, said Mildred could speak Greek as easily as English! Another scholar, Roger Ascham, even compared Mildred and her sisters to the very intelligent Lady Jane Grey.
When Queen Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, Mildred briefly worked at court as a lady of the privy chamber, which meant she was close to the Queen.
Mildred was in charge of her children's education. She also helped educate other young nobles who were placed in her husband's care. One of these was Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, who later married Mildred's daughter, Anne. The Burghley home was a place where learning was highly valued. It was known as a center for studying classical subjects, philosophy, and science.
Her husband, William Cecil, became Queen Elizabeth I's most trusted advisor. Because of this, Lady Burghley had influence too. The Queen even visited their homes, like Theobalds, many times. In 1567, a Spanish ambassador noted that Lady Burghley had "great influence with her husband" and discussed important matters with him.
Mildred also used her knowledge to help others. In 1573, she wrote a letter in Latin to her cousin, Sir William Fitzwilliam, who was the Lord Deputy of Ireland, offering him advice. She was even paid for helping people who wanted to ask her husband for favors.
Several books were dedicated to Lady Burghley during her lifetime, showing how respected she was. She also translated important works from Greek, including a sermon by Basil the Great. She didn't publish her own translations, but some of her handwritten works still exist today.
Mildred built up a very impressive library, mostly with books in Latin and Greek. It was considered one of the best private libraries of its time. She had books on history, literature, medicine, and religion. She also gave many valuable books to colleges like St John's College, Cambridge and Christ Church, Oxford. She even supported scholars with money so they could study.
Marriage and Children
In December 1545, Mildred married William Cecil. This was his second marriage.
They had several children:
- Their first daughter, Francisca, was born in 1554 but sadly died young.
- Their second daughter, Anne, was born in 1556. She married Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford.
- Two sons, both named William, died shortly after they were born in 1559 and 1561.
- In 1563, their third son, Robert, was born. Robert followed in his father's footsteps and became an important advisor to King James I.
- Another daughter, Elizabeth, was born in 1564. She married William Wentworth, but both she and her husband died young without children.
Mildred Cecil, Lady Burghley, passed away on 4 April 1589, after 43 years of marriage. She was buried with her daughter Anne in Westminster Abbey. A very tall and beautiful tomb was built there to honor them. The tomb shows Lady Burghley lying down, with her granddaughters and son at her feet. Her husband, Lord Burghley, is shown kneeling above them. He wrote a long Latin message on the tomb, expressing his deep sadness for his beloved wife and daughter.
After her death, Lord Burghley wrote a special meditation about his wife, where he shared many of the secret charitable acts she had done during her life.
Images for kids
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Effigies of Mildred, Lady Burghley, and her daughter, Anne, Countess of Oxford, in Westminster Abbey
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Basilii Magni et Gregorii Nazanzeni in the British Library - this copy belonged to Lord and Lady Burghley, the names 'William. Myldred Cicyll' are stamped on the cover and the titlepage bears the autograph 'Mildred: Cecili'
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Portrait of Mildred Cooke Cecil (pregnant with Robert), by Hans Eworth, 1563, Hatfield House
