Thread by @OptimoPrincipi

The magnificent tomb of William Cecil, Lord Burghley (1520-1598). Cecil was the chief adviser to Queen Elizabeth I for 40 years, as well as Secretary of State and Lord High Treasurer; certainly the most powerful non-royal of the 16th century. St Martin's Church, Stamford. #Tudor

Renowned as a wise and cautious counsellor to Elizabeth, the Encyclopædia Britannica states that, "From 1558 for forty years the biography of Cecil is almost indistinguishable from that of Elizabeth and from the history of England." #Tudor #History

Details of the Latin inscriptions on Cecil's tomb, listing his posts as Privy Counsellor, Lord High Treasurer and also Chancellor of @Cambridge_Uni. "Inside this tomb he awaits the second coming of Christ"..

He was "entrusted with the greatest, most weighty affairs of the kingdom" by Elizabeth, "above all he promoted the true religion. He obtained the highest honours and when he had lived long enough to nature and glory, but not long enough to his country, he fell asleep in Christ."

Details of the painted marble funerary statue of William Cecil holding the Lord Chamberlain's staff of office - still retaining its vivid colours after 422 years.

A closer look at Cecil's armour and robe with Order of the Garter and motto around the shield of St George: "Honi soit qui mal y pense" - "shame on anyone who thinks evil of it".

Incredible details on William Cecil's splendid boots and riding spurs sculpted in gilded alabaster. #Tudor #History #Sculpture

At Cecil's feet rests a marble lion, heraldic symbol of nobility, strength and valour.

Cecil's grandiose tomb sits somewhat incongruously in the small parish church near his estate at Stamford, Lincolnshire. Though he died at London and could certainly have been interred at Westminster Abbey, Cecil wanted to be buried at his Burghley estate in his home county.