The History of the Last Trial by Jury for Atheism in England A Fragment of Autobiography Submitted for the Perusal of Her Majesty's Attorney-General and the British Clergy

"The History of the Last Trial by Jury for Atheism in England" by George Jacob Holyoake is a recollection from the 1800s recounting the author's trial for being an atheist and the consequences it had on society and the legal system, all while analyzing the importance of freedom of speech within a religious environment. The story recounts the beginning of Holyoake's trial, remembering a cold trip to Cheltenham with his family. He reflects on his past as a Social Missionary and the difficulties he faced. The story quickly shifts to the lecture that would result in his arrest where he questioned the need for religion; this resulted in widespread public condemnation and legal action. Holyoake explains his arrest and the predisposed ideas held by authority figures, highlighting the tense atmosphere of the impending trial. This beginning shows Holyoake's personal life and challenges accepted social ideas about atheism and independent thought.