Father John Lingard (1771-1851) was the author of The History Of England, From the First Invasion by the Romans to the Accession of Henry VIII, an 8 volume work published in 1819. The book was later expanded by the author and the title changed to reflect the period covered. The edition that is usually seen is a 10 volume set, "to the Accession of William and Mary in 1688." There is an enlarged 13 volume set published just before Lingard's death which was his final revision, "to the Commencement of the Reign of William the Third." The History was abridged and revised adding material to bring its treatment up to the then present and used as a text in English Catholic Schools during the nineteeth century.

Lingard was accorded no recognition by the British intellectual establishment. History of England is a substantial scholarly work which while giving full treatment to the History of England on relevant matters takes a Catholic approach.