History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 2, Chapter 07)

Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-1859) worked as a politician, essayist and historian. His History of England from the Accession of James the Second, begun in the 1840s and unfinished at his death, is one of the most widely read works of Victorian historical writing. Its prose was admired for its clarity and drama, and its early volumes sold in remarkable numbers.

This is Chapter 7 of the second volume. It starts with a portrait of William of Orange, Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic, who was married to Mary, the daughter of James II. Macaulay describes William’s early life, character and policies, and explains how he came to be regarded by many as the natural leader of European resistance to the power of Louis XIV. The chapter then turns to events in England, including the Declaration of Indulgence, which suspended penal laws against Catholics and Protestant dissenters. James presented the measure as an act of toleration, but many Anglicans saw it as a threat to the established church and to the balance of the constitution.

Macaulay’s account is shaped by his belief in the importance of the revolution of 1688, which he saw as a decisive step towards constitutional government. His interpretation has been debated by later historians, but his narrative skill remains admired.

This recording has eleven parts and lasts about three and a half hours, read by LibriVox volunteers. The chapter can be enjoyed on its own, although it connects to the surrounding chapters in the history. It is a good starting point for listeners curious about the political tensions that preceded the Glorious Revolution.