Francis Walsingham (pictured), Elizabeth I of England's principal secretary and spymaster, was knighted.

Francis Walsingham

English spy and politician (c. 1532 – 1590)

Sir Francis Walsingham was principal secretary to Queen Elizabeth I of England from 20 December 1573 until his death and is popularly remembered as her "spymaster".

Elizabeth I

Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 to 1603

Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. She was the last and longest reigning monarch of the House of Tudor. Her eventful reign, and its effect on history and culture, gave name to the Elizabethan era.

Secretary of State (England)

Appointed position in the English government

In the Kingdom of England, the title of Secretary of State came into being near the end of the reign of Elizabeth I, the usual title before that having been King's Clerk, King's Secretary, or Principal Secretary.

List of spymasters

A spymaster is a leader of a group of spies or an intelligence agency.