In 1874 this cobble stone was torn up from the surface of the Market Square as large crowds violently protested and rioted about the results of the recent local elections. The Liberal candidate Charles Bradlaugh had been defeated by the Conservative party candidate, Charles George Merewether. On hearing the result read out by the town crier, Bradlaugh’s supporters became violent causing damage to local buildings, including the Lord Palmerstone pub. The disturbance increased to such a level that the Lord Mayor read the Riot Act in an effort to make the crowds leave.
Charles Bradlaugh was a political reformer and staunch atheist, co-founding the National Secular Society in 1866. When he was finally elected member of Parliament for Northampton in 1880, he was barred from taking his seat in the House of Commons because he refused to say the phrase ‘So help me God’ at the end of the Oath of Allegiance. After years of campaigning, the Oaths Act 1888 allowed for oaths to be solemnly affirmed, rather than sworn to God. The Oath of Allegiance still raises controversies, with Clive Lewis MP having to affirm twice in 2024, after failing to swear allegiance to the King and his heirs on his first attempt.
Number 68 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.
This 12th century grave slab is located in the church of St Peter, Marefair in Northampton. It is thought to have been carved by the same sculptors as the beautifully preserved set of Norman capitals (headings of columns) in the church.
This screw pine fossil is a rare type specimen. Parts of Jurassic Northamptonshire were submerged in a shallow warm sea and tropical plants thrived on the nearby land.
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Friends of St. Peter's Marefair Northampton by Rafal
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NMAG
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NMAG
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NMAG