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This series uncovers the secret state that helped keep Queen Elizabeth in power for over 40 years. During a time when Britain was divided, unstable and violent the world’s first secret service was born. Run by William and Robert Cecil, this father and son team had the duty of protecting the Queen and the Country.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Providing Support for PBS.org
This series uncovers the secret state that helped keep Queen Elizabeth in power for over 40 years. During a time when Britain was divided, unstable, and violent, the world’s first secret service was born. Run by William and Robert Cecil, this father and son team had the duty of protecting the queen and the country. This series asks leading historians to study the time period and uncover a covert spy network, revealing Elizabethan England as it really was.
Episode 1
William Cecil, Queen Elizabeth I’s spy master, intercepts a conspiracy to assassinate the queen. When he discovers that Elizabeth’s own cousin, Mary Queen of Scots is behind the plot, he lays a trap to capture and execute her.
Episode 2
Elizabeth’s enemies grow in strength but Robert Cecil, her spymaster, also fights an enemy within. An ambitious aristocrat is trying to takeover his network. At stake is control over the aging queen and the power to choose the next king of England.
Episode 3
England has a new monarch, King James I, and Elizabeth’s former spymaster, Robert Cecil, faces his toughest test. A group of religious extremists plan to blow-up the Houses of Parliament with the king inside – what we call the Gunpowder Plot.
William Cecil talking to Queen Elizabeth I.
1/8
Richard Outram/72 Films
Queen Elizabeth I feeding her peacocks.
2/8
Richard Outram/72 Films
Robert Cecil
3/8
Richard Outram/72 Films
Robert Cecil
4/8
Richard Outram/72 Films
Portrait of William Cecil.
5/8
Bridgeman Images
Portrait of Robert Cecil.
6/8
Bridgeman Images
A portrait of an aged Queen Elizabeth I with religious imagery around her.
7/8
Bridgeman Images
Portrait of King James.
8/8
Bridgeman Images
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