ABSTRACT
There were many ways—some thoroughly disreputable—in which a candidate for a wardship might press his suit. The majority of petitions forwarded to Burghley were not on behalf of a ward’s relative and their purpose was not charitable but pecuniary. The wives of aristocrats, courtiers and officials brought to their part of the search a considerable measure of skill and experience. Cecil’s relatives, however distant their connection, used it to prosecute their claims. Certainly the most eminent men thought nothing of writing modestly to the Master’s secretary in furtherance of some scheme. While such negotiations were going on, a mother’s claim, however well sponsored, might easily be trampled upon. Yet some of the most moving petitions are those from parents and, most of all, from fathers anxious to ensure that, in the event of their untimely death, the wardship should pass to someone interested in the welfare of the child.
