This so-called "Moor" succeeded his mentor, Robert (*) Cecil, after the latter appointed him to head an inquest that led to the fall of the Duke of Norfolk.
In one of this man's major endeavors, he employed a man named Antonio Pérez whose correspondence is an important primary source, revealing the identities of such co-workers as Gherard de Malines, John de Cárdenas, and Anthony Standen. This figure's early career saw him fail to negotiate marriage contracts for successive Dukes of Anjou, Henri and François, only to score a major diplomatic coup with the Treaty of Blois as Ambassador to France. This so-called "Moor" succeeded his mentor, Robert (*) Cecil, after the latter appointed him to head an inquest that led to the fall of the Duke of Norfolk. Later, similar work by this councilor led to the expulsion of Bernardino de Mendoza as his networks exposed both the Throckmorton plot and the Babington plot, implication in which led to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. For 10 points, name this secretary of England's Elizabeth I, whom he also served as spymaster.
In one of this man's major endeavors, he employed a man named Antonio Pérez whose correspondence is an important primary source, revealing the identities of such co-workers as Gherard de Malines, John de Cárdenas, and Anthony Standen.
Sir Francis {Walsingham}