The date is February 1571.

Cecil has just been given the title Baron of Burghley by Queen Elizabeth I and decides to get his coat of arms updated.

It's true that Cecil had a coat of arms (image 4). William Camden did work at the College of Arms and was also Cecil's historian. He really was from welsh gentry and it was originally pronounced CICIL. His background is as described.

As Elizabeth's secretary, he really did read everything and was on call day and night. His passion was cartography and he did like archery. He was really fascinated by roman history and carrying the book by Cicero around with him. He also had a notebook that he wrote everything in and never dictated.

The story about the Earl of Oxford is true! He was made a knight of the garter and his motto was as stated. The Green Gallery really did have all the coats of arms of the landed families. The description of the coat of arms is all correct (image 4).

If you want to find out more about Cecil, check out the sources and places below:

Burghley: William Cecil at the Court of Elizabeth I - Stephen Alford

The Cecils: Privilege and Power behind the Throne - David Loades

Burghley House