Charles Bradlaugh

Date of Birth: September 26, 1833

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 30, 1891

Biography

Charles Bradlaugh was a prominent British political activist and atheist, born in 1833 in Hoxton, London. He is best known for his tireless advocacy for secularism, free thought, and civil liberties. Bradlaugh began his career as a solicitor’s clerk but soon found his calling in public speaking and activism. He became a renowned orator and writer, contributing to various radical publications of his time. In 1860, Bradlaugh founded the National Secular Society (NSS), which aimed to promote secularism and fight for the separation of church and state. His relentless efforts in these areas brought him both acclaim and controversy. Bradlaugh’s most notable political struggle was his repeated attempts to take his seat in the House of Commons as the elected Member of Parliament for Northampton. Due to his atheist beliefs, he refused to take the religious oath required for MPs, leading to prolonged legal battles and several imprisonments. Despite these challenges, Bradlaugh was finally allowed to affirm rather than swear the oath in 1886, setting a significant precedent for non-religious individuals in public office. He continued to serve as an MP until his death, advocating for issues such as birth control, women’s rights, and social reform.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Bradlaugh

1. Charles Bradlaugh was the first openly atheist Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom.

2. He co-founded the Freethought Publishing Company with Annie Besant, a fellow activist.

3. Bradlaugh was imprisoned multiple times for his advocacy of secularism and civil liberties.

4. He was instrumental in the passage of the Oaths Act of 1888, which allowed affirmations instead of religious oaths.

5. Bradlaugh’s legacy continues through the National Secular Society, which remains active today.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Bradlaugh

1. “Without free speech no search for truth is possible.”

2. “There is no wealth like knowledge, and no poverty like ignorance.”

3. “Liberty is the right of doing whatever the laws permit.”

4. “I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of.”

5. “No man has a right to deny freedom to others while he enjoys it himself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charles Bradlaugh was not known for amassing significant personal wealth. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but his contributions to social and political causes were invaluable.

Children

Charles Bradlaugh had two daughters, Alice and Hypatia Bradlaugh. Hypatia Bradlaugh went on to become an activist in her own right, continuing her father’s legacy in promoting secularism and social reform.