William Cecil and Episcopacy, 1559–1577

William Cecil and Episcopacy, 1559-1577 provides an explanation of the processes which went into the selection and creation of bishops during the early years of Elizabeth I's reign, when the conduct of ecclesiastical affairs was dominated by William Cecil and his allies. It argues that previous accounts have been wide of the mark in writing off the government's policy towards the church as one of cynicism and rapacity, and that whilst Cecil remained a dominating voice at the council table the church was assured of a broad base and an evangelical future.