Several unheard-of insolences which this excellent prince was forced to submit to before that odious judicatory, his majestic behaviour, the pronouncing that horrible sentence upon the most innocent person in the world, the execution of that sentence by the most execrable murder ever committed since that of our blessed Saviour, and the circumstances thereof, are all so well-known that the farther mentioning it would but afflict and grieve the reader, and make the relation itself odious; and therefore no more shall be said here of that lamentable tragedy, so much to the dishonour of the nation and the religion professed by it.

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LORD MACAULAY

History of England

Thomas Babington Macaulay was born October 25, 1800, and died December 28, 1859.  He was the son of Zachary Macaulay, a West Indian merchant and noted philanthropist.  He brilliantly distinguished himself as a prizeman at Cambridge, and on leaving the University devoted himself enthusiastically to literary pursuits.  Fame was speedily won by his contributions to the “Edinburgh Review,” especially by his article on Milton.  Though called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn, in 1826, Macaulay never practised, but through his strong Whig sympathies he was drawn into politics, and in 1830 entered Parliament for the pocket-borough of Calne.  He afterwards was elected M.P. for Edinburgh.  Appointed Secretary of the Board of Control for India, he resided for six years in that country, returning home in 1838.  In 1840 he was made War Secretary.  It was during his official career that he wrote his magnificent “Lays of Ancient Rome.”  An immense sensation was produced by his remarkable “Essays,” issued in three volumes; but even greater was the popularity achieved by his “History of England.”  Macaulay was one of the most versatile men of his time.  His easy and graceful style was the vehicle of extraordinary acquisitions, his learning being prodigious and his memory phenomenal.

England in Earlier Times

I purpose to write the History of England from the accession of King James II. down to a time within the memory of men still living.  I shall recount the errors which, in a few months, alienated a loyal gentry and priesthood from the House of Stuart.  I shall trace the course of that revolution which terminated the long struggle between our sovereigns and their parliaments, and bound up together the rights of the people and the title of the reigning dynasty.

Unless I greatly deceive myself, the general effect of this chequered narrative, faithfully recording disasters mingled with triumphs, will be to excite thankfulness in all religious minds, and hope in the breasts of all patriots.  For the history of our country during the period concerned is eminently the history of physical, of moral, and of intellectual improvement.