The Making of an Imperial Polity: Civility and America in the Jacobean Metropolis

Abstract

The networks and spaces of information-exchange that fostered expansion come to life in Robert Cecil's testimony at Walter Ralegh's trial for treason in 1603. The jury accused Ralegh of possessing a seditious book written against the sovereignty of kings, one that had been kept from public view in the private study of the late lord treasurer William Cecil, Lord Burghley. Burghley's son Robert, James' secretary of state, suggested Ralegh may have stolen the book when visiting Burghley's study to consult his cosmographical works. Ralegh often visited their residence on the Strand, Cecil acknowledged. 'Sir Walter desired to search for some Cosmographycall descriptions of the West-Indies which he thought were in his study, and were not to be had in print, which he [Cecil] granted'. Before 'the bonds of his affection had been crackt', Cecil admitted, he had admired Ralegh, and supported his ventures to North America and Guiana