Charles Bradlaugh

Charles Bradlaugh was an English political activist and atheist. He founded the National Secular Society in 1866, 15 years after George Holyoake coined the term "secularism" in 1851. In 1880, Bradlaugh was elected Liberal Member of Parliament for Northampton. Bradlaugh's attempt to confirm as an atheist culminated in a temporary prison sentence, fines for fraudulent voting in the House of Commons, and a series of by-elections in which he regained his place. He was eventually allowed to take an...See more

Charles Bradlaugh was an English political activist and atheist. He founded the National Secular Society in 1866, 15 years after George Holyoake coined the term "secularism" in 1851. In 1880, Bradlaugh was elected Liberal Member of Parliament for Northampton. Bradlaugh's attempt to confirm as an atheist culminated in a temporary prison sentence, fines for fraudulent voting in the House of Commons, and a series of by-elections in which he regained his place. He was eventually allowed to take an oath in 1886. In 1888, a parliamentary bill he introduced was passed, allowing members of both Houses of Parliament to affirm when sworn in. Anthony Collins and John Watts co-wrote the seminal book "Ancient and Modern Celebrated Freethinkers." Anthony Collins (1676-1729) was a well-known English philosopher who helped to shape the Enlightenment and advocated for free thought. John Watts, whose material is less widely available, most certainly worked with Collins on this compilation. The book, released in 1733, contains biographical portraits of famous figures who opposed traditional religious beliefs, preaching rationality and skepticism. It is still a crucial document in the history of freethought, demonstrating the intellectual fortitude of those who have challenged established religious norms throughout history. See less