Sir Francis Walsingham

Short Biography of the life of Sir Francis Walsingham - Statesman, Politician and Spymaster
Sir Francis Walsingham was an important Elizabethan Statesman. A staunch Protestant who became Elizabeth's spymaster and feared member of the Star Chamber. The following biography information provides basic facts about the life Sir Francis Walsingham:

• Nationality - English

• Lifespan - 1532–1590

• Family - Wealthy family of vintners

• Education - King's College, Cambridge

• Career - Statesman, Politician and Spymaster

• Famous as a zealous Protestant and the Spymaster for Queen Elizabeth I

Facts & History about the life of Sir Francis Walsingham - Statesman, Politician and Spymaster
The following are additional facts about the life and history of Sir Francis Walsingham:

• Francis Walsingham was born in 1530 to a wealthy family at Chislehurst, Kent, England

• Distant relative of Anne Boleyn the mother of Queen Elizabeth

• He was a staunch Protestant

• Attended Cambridge University

• Travelled abroad after his education

• Sir Francis Walsingham married twice. His first wife was Anne Barnes who he married in January 1562 and he married his second wife, Ursula St. Barbe, in 1567

• Went into voluntary exile in Europe when the Catholic Queen Mary was on the throne where he met many important people and gained a good understanding of foreign politics and languages

• He returned to England when Elizabeth became Queen working with Sir William Cecil ( who later became Lord Burghley)

• 1570 - Appointed Ambassador to France

• Sir Francis Walsingham was principal secretary to Queen Elizabeth I from 1573 to 1590

• December 21, 1573 - Sir Francis Walsingham appointed Principal Secretary of State and becomes Elizabeth's chief spy master

• Appointed a member to the Privy Council

• Sir Francis Walsingham, working with Lord Burghley, devised an intricate spy network during the latter years of Elizabeth's reign that succeeded in uncovering the Babington Plot of 1586

• Sir Francis Walsingham and Lord Burghley were instrumental in convincing Elizabeth to have Mary Queen of Scots executed in 1587

• Sir Philip Sydney married Frances Walsingham, the daughter of Sir Francis Walsingham. Walsingham took responsibility for the huge debts of Sydney

• Sir Francis Walsingham died 6 Apr 1590 at Chislehurst, Kent, England

Interesting Facts and Information about Elizabethan Times and Sir Francis Walsingham
Some interesting facts and biography information about the History, Life & Times of Sir Francis Walsingham

Famous Elizabethans - Sir Francis Walsingham - Statesman, Politician and Spymaster
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