Richard Cecil (courtier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Cecil
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Funerary effigy of Sir Richard Cecil
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| Born | ca. 1495 |
| Died | 19 March 1553 |
| Occupation | Politician and Courtier |
| Title | Sir |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Heckington |
| Children | 4 (including William Cecil, Lord Burghley) |
| Parent(s) | Sir David Cecil Alice Dicons |
Sir Richard Cecil (born around 1495 – died March 19, 1553) was an important English man. He was a politician and worked at the royal court. He also managed the large estate of Burghley in Northamptonshire.
Richard's father, Sir David Cecil, was from Wales. He became a favorite of King Henry VIII of England. Sir David was even the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1532 and 1533. He passed away in 1541.
Life of a Courtier
Richard Cecil followed in his father's footsteps. He also became a courtier, someone who works for the king or queen.
- In 1517, he started as a royal page. This was a young assistant to the king.
- In 1520, he attended the famous Field of the Cloth of Gold. This was a grand meeting between King Henry VIII and the King of France.
- He rose to become the Groom of the Robes. This meant he was in charge of the king's clothes.
- He also became the constable of Warwick Castle. This was an important role in managing the castle.
Richard was the High Sheriff of Rutland in 1539. He also gained a lot of land and wealth during a time when many monasteries were being closed down.
Family Life
Richard Cecil married Jane Heckington. She was the daughter and only heir of William Heckington. They had one son, William Cecil, Lord Burghley (1520–1598). They also had three daughters.
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When Richard passed away, he left behind a large estate. This included lands in Rutland and Northamptonshire. He died at his home in London. He was buried at St Margaret's, Westminster church. His wife, Jane, lived for many years after him. She passed away on March 10, 1587. Richard and Jane have a shared monument in St Martin's Church, Stamford.
His Son, William
Richard sent his son William to grammar schools in Stamford and Grantham. In 1535, William went to St John's College, Cambridge. William was a good student.
However, William fell in love with Mary Cheke. She was the daughter of a local widow and did not have much money. Richard was not happy about this. He quickly took William out of Cambridge before he could finish his degree. William then went to Gray's Inn in 1541 to study law.
Even though his father tried to stop it, William married Mary. They likely married in secret. Their son, Thomas, was born in Cambridge on May 5, 1542. Thomas later became the Earl of Exeter. Mary, William's wife, sadly died young on February 22, 1544.
His Daughters
Sir Richard Cecil had three daughters:
- Anne (also called Agnes) married Thomas White.
- Margaret married Roger Cave. She later married Ambrose Smythe.
- Elizabeth married Robert Wingfield. She later married Hugh Alington.
