How did Thomas Babington Macaulay research historical events for his History of England?

Thomas Babington Macaulay was known for his meticulous approach to writing his History of England. While his broader historical methodology has been criticized for being uncritical and driven by political partisanship, he was personally dedicated to the accuracy of his facts.1

To ensure the precision of his narrative, Macaulay spared no effort in his research process. He engaged in extensive reading and was known for his slow, deliberate composition, which involved endless corrections of both style and subject matter. A key aspect of his research involved frequently visiting the actual locations where historical events had taken place to better inform his writing.2

Despite his rigorous efforts to ascertain facts, critics have noted that his work often functioned as special pleading rather than an impartial presentation of history, as his personal enthusiasm and political biases frequently influenced his interpretation of events.1