born June 1, 1563, London, Eng.
died May 24, 1612, Marlborough, Wiltshire
English statesman.
Trained in statesmanship by his father, William Cecil , Robert entered the House of Commons in 1584. He became acting secretary of state in 1590 and was formally appointed to the post by Elizabeth I in 1596. He succeeded his father as chief minister in 1598 and guided the peaceful succession of Elizabeth by James I , for whom he continued as chief minister from 1603 and lord treasurer from 1608. He negotiated the end of the war with Spain in 1604 and allied England with France.