ABSTRACT
Thomas Babington Macaulay was born at Rothley Temple, Leicestershire, in 1800; his evangelical family moved to Clapham not long after his birth. Educated at a private school and Trinity College, Cambridge, becoming a fellow in 1824; the following year, published the first of many contributions to the radical Edinburgh Review. Practised at the bar and from 1828 to 1832 was a commissioner for bankruptcy. In 1830 became MP for Calne, a borough disfranchised by the 1832 Reform Act, which he supported; subsequently became MP for Leeds. Spent the years 1834–7 in India as a member of the Supreme Council, significantly influencing its educational and legal provisions for Indians. In 1839 became MP for Edinburgh, a seat he held until 1847; Secretary at War in the Melbourne government, a post he lost in 1841. The years 1842 and 1843 saw the publication of Lays of Ancient Rome and Critical and Historical Essays, while in 1848 he brought out the first two volumes of his History of England. Became MP for Edinburgh again in 1852 but suffered a heart attack shortly afterwards; gave up his seat in 1856. His Speeches were published in 1854 and the third and fourth volumes of his History in 1855. Created Baron Macaulay of Rothley in 1857 and died in December 1859.
