449 King James II of Great Britain

Gilbert Burnett's 'History of His Own Time' is a contemporary account covering events and figures of the Stuart period, written by a Scottish intellectual who lived through much of the era. The work offers detailed observations, anecdotes, and commentary on key political and religious developments, reflecting Burnett's perspectives and connections at court. It has been mined by later historians for its firsthand detail about personalities such as James II, William, and members of the Stuart court. While partial and sometimes partisan, the book remains a valuable primary source for understanding the politics and culture of late 17th-century Britain. Burnett later became Bishop of Salisbury and his writings influenced subsequent historiography of the period.

The Oxford History of England is a long-running multi-volume series produced by Oxford University Press, each volume covering a specific period of English history and written by a specialist historian. The series is noted for its scholarly detail, comprehensive coverage, and high-quality editorial standards, often used as standard academic reference works. Volumes typically include thorough indexes, maps, genealogies, and extensive bibliographies, making them useful for students and researchers. The individual volumes were published over the 20th century and reflect evolving historiographical perspectives on English history. They remain influential reference works for the study of Britain’s political, social, and cultural development.