This chapter is a bit of a mixture. It begins with the death of Charles II and then goes on to James II. Judge Jeffries then makes an appearance in a riot of slapstick absurdity when viewed from so far away. Although, at the time of the ‘Bloody Assizes’ he will have been much feared and hated by many.There are more to-and fro-ings in the Houses of Parliament. The Scots Covenanters make an appearance, and Dangerfield and Oates get their come-uppance. Macaulay paints the mid to late 17th century in a mad effervescence of colour.

Summary by Jim Mowatt