Page:The house of Cecil.djvu/23

 THE FOUNDING OF THE FAMILY 9

manor of Colly- Weston in the same county and Escheator for the county of Lincoln. In 1532 and X 533 he was Sheriff of the county of Northampton, " which," says Fuller, " proves him a person of birth, brains, and estate ; seeing, in that age, in this county, so plentiful of capable persons, none were advanced to that office except esquires at least of much merit." 1

This long list of appointments and offices proves also that David Cecil was a man of much more than average energy and perseverance, as well as uncommon ability. The old territorial nobility, whose ranks had been depleted by the Wars of the Roses, were giving place to a new nobility, dependent on the favour of the King ; and the large landed proprietors began to be recruited from the ranks of yeomen and smaller gentry. Both David Cecil and his son were quick to take advan- tage of the situation, assiduously courting the King's favour and acquiring lands, property and influence.

Lord Burghley has recorded in his MS. Diary that his grandfather died in 1536. 2 But there is evidence that he was still a yeoman of the guard in December of that year, and though his will is dated January 25th, 1536, which may have given rise to the mistake, it was not proved till March, 1542. We may conclude therefore that he died shortly before the later date.

He was twice married, first to Alice Dicons, daughter and heir of John Dicons, alderman of Stamford, who was also connected by marriage

1 Worthies, ed. 1840, II. 535.

2 " Anno 1536. David Cecil, avus meus, mortuus est."

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