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 THE FIRST EARL OF SALISBURY 177

was commenced at Whitehall Gate, at eleven it was repeated at the Cross in Cheapside, and that same night printed copies of the proclamation were transmitted to the new Sovereign. Before he received them, the voice of the nation had fully ratified the act of the Council ; the will of Henry VIII. had been set aside ; all questions respecting inheritable blood had been passed over; James I. was in full possession, and the act of statesmanship of Sir Robert Cecil was complete." l

He soon reaped his reward. " James's first thought on receiving intelligence of the Queen's death, was to express his thanks to Cecil for his careful attention to his interests. ' How happy I think myself,' he wrote, ' by the conquest of so faithful and so wise a counsellor, I reserve it to be expressed out of my own mouth unto you.' The confidence which James thus bestowed was never withdrawn as long as Cecil lived." 2 He also gained a full share of those honours of which Elizabeth was so chary. On his way to London, James spent ten days at Theobalds, and took the opportunity to raise his host to the peerage, with the title of Baron Cecil of Essendon (May 13th, 1603). In August, 1604, he was created Viscount Cranborne, 3 and in May, 1605, E ar l of Salisbury. He obtained the Garter in 1606.

1 Bruce, Introduction, p. liv.

a Gardiner, History of England, I. 91.

8 The manor of Cranborne was not actually or formally granted to him till 1611, but he began the restoration and enlargement of the Manor House some years before that date.

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