The beginnings of the modern civil service
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Josiah Burchett may hold the title of being one of the founders of the civil service as we know it today.
A protege of Samuel Pepys, he rose to become Admiralty Secretary. This had usually been a political appointment, so as administrations changed or new monarchs came to the throne, you could expect to be replaced by someone favoured by those now in power.
Except for Josiah Burchett. He was exceptionally efficient, so when there came a change at the top, he kept his job. The time had come for a capable, politically neutral civil servant.