Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay (October 25, 1800 - December 28, 1859) was an English historian and Whig politician. He wrote extensively as an essayist and reviewer; his books on British history were hailed as literary masterpieces. He held political office as the Secretary at War between 1839 and 1841 and the Paymaster-General between 1846 and 1848. He played a major role in introducing English and western concepts to education in India. He supported the replacement of Persian by English as the official language, the use of English as the medium of instruction in all schools, and the training of English-speaking Indians as teachers. He sat on the committee to decide on the historical subjects to be painted in the new Palace of Westminster, which led to the foundation of the National Portrait Gallery in 1856. He was one its founding trustees and is honored with one of only three busts above the main entrance. He died of a heart attack in 1859, at the age of 59.