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Cartoon, Bradlaugh, Gladstone and John Bull
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Cartoon, Bradlaugh, Gladstone and John Bull
Cartoon, Charles Bradlaugh, atheist MP, W E Gladstone, Liberal Prime Minister, and John Bull as a magistrate. Bull says to Gladstone: " If you decline to allow the man to affirm or take the oath, he can t be blamed for not doing his duty to his constituency."
1882
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Media ID 14310238
© Terry Parker / Mary Evans Picture Library
1882 Atheist Bradlaugh Bryan Bull Constituency Dock Duty Entracte Gladstone Legal Liberal Logic Magistrate Minister Oath Policeman Prime Procedure Protocol Affirm
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Matter of Principle: Bradlaugh's Oath Controversy" This cartoon, published in 1882, depicts a pivotal moment in British political history: the oath controversy involving Charles Bradlaugh, an atheist Member of Parliament (MP), and William E. Gladstone, the Liberal Prime Minister. The scene unfolds in a courtroom setting, with Bradlaugh standing before a stern-faced John Bull, who acts as a magistrate. Bradlaugh, a prominent figure in the secular and freethought movements, had been denied the opportunity to take his oath of office on religious grounds. He refused to swear on a Bible, citing his atheistic beliefs. This led to a heated debate in Parliament and the wider public sphere, with many questioning the legitimacy of Bradlaugh's position as an MP. Gladstone, known for his liberal views and commitment to religious tolerance, found himself in a difficult position. He was under pressure from various quarters to take a firm stance on the issue. In this cartoon, Bull, personifying the British people, advises Gladstone that if he refuses to allow Bradlaugh to affirm or take the oath, the MP cannot be blamed for not fulfilling his duty to his constituency. The cartoon highlights the complexities of Victorian politics and the tensions between religion, law, and individual rights. It also underscores the significance of the oath controversy in shaping the political landscape of the 1880s and the ongoing debate about the role of religion in public life. Ultimately, Bradlaugh's persistence paid off, and he was eventually allowed to take the oath, paving the way for future accommodations of non-conformist beliefs in British politics.
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