Modern History Talk: The British Empire – Macaulay’s Great Contribution

Published on: 3 Mar, 2020
Updated on: 3 Mar, 2020

The Guildford Institute’s next modern history talk will focus on Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) and his ‘great contribution to the British Empire.

Hon Alderman Gordon Bridger

The talk is being given by Gordon Bridger, alderman and former mayor of Guildford.

Gordon says: “Few appreciate the incredible contribution one of our great historians and politicians made to Britain’s Empire and indeed to Britain itself.

“In the midst of a stellar political career aged 34 he left on a six-month journey to India, to spend four years largely to bolster his inadequate income.

“As chief law officer, he not only established a civil service based on merit, which was later adopted by Britain and all the other colonies, but reformed the Indian legal system.

Thomas Babington Macaulay.

“This system is the basis of Indian law. However, he played a major part in establishing spoken English and its educational system.

“It has enabled India to emerge into the modern world and become hero to the “untouchables” to whom English was a lifeline to this world.”

The monthly modern history talks are hosted by a group who have met regularly at the Guildford Institute in Ward Street for many years. Visitors are always welcome.

Institute members £1.50, non-members £3 per talk.

Click here for details on the Guildford Institute’s website.