Samuel West brings to life the rip-roaring story of the Monmouth Rebellion, as told by Lord Macaulay. It’s the first in a new series based on the work of three of the UK's greatest historians. Each programme is introduced by Simon Schama.

Title: The History of England

Published: vols 1 & 2, 1848; 3 & 4, 1855; 5 (unfinished), 1861

Background: Vivid history concentrating on the reigns of James II (1685-8) and William III (1689-1702). Macaulay intended to publish further volumes continuing his survey into the time of George I but died before he could do so, at the age of 59. Hugely popular at the time, the history is now thought to be heavily biased towards 'the Whig interpretation of history', concentrating on the superiority of Protestant monarchs.

Quotations:

"The gallery in which the reporters sit has become a fourth estate of the realm."
Describing the press in the House of Commons, Essays Contributed to the Edinburgh Review

"In every age the vilest specimens of human nature are to be found among demagogues."
History of England, Vol. I

Facts:

• Macaulay's father was the anti-slavery campaigner Zachary Macaulay who governed Sierra Leone from 1793-99
• At various times Macaulay was a Whig (Liberal) MP for Calne (1830), Leeds, (1832-4) and Edinburgh (1839-47 and 1852-6)
• As a member of the Council for India he was influential in introducing English into the higher education system and drafted the Indian Criminal Code
• He wrote biographical essays on many authors including John Bunyan and Samuel Johnson, as well as the series of ballads Lays of Ancient Rome
• He was created Baron Macaulay of Rothley, 1857

The Glorious Revolution