was Queen Elizabeth spy master and ran an extensive spy ring across Europe. He really dislike Mary, and tried for about 20 years to get rid of here. He helped in her downfall with Babington plot.

William Cecil, Lord Burghley, was a friend of Sir Francis. He also held high positions in Elizabeth's court

First, he was the Keeper of the Privy Seal (a high officer of state, through whose hands pass all charters, pardons, etc., before they come to the great seal.) Then from 1572-1598
he was the Lord Treasurer. Starting in Tudor times, the Lord Treasurer became one of the chief officers of state, and competed with the Lord Chancellor for the principal place.