Unholy Histories: The Humanist Heritage Podcast from Humanists UK

Join Andrew Copson and Madeleine Goodall—alongside a host of expert guests—as they uncover the hidden histories and untold stories of the people, places, movements, ideas, and events that helped shape British humanism, secularism and freethought.

From radical reformers to forgotten dissenters, Unholy Histories explores how reason, skepticism, science, and activism helped build modern Britain—and how these values still shape our society today.

Unholy Histories is a Humanists UK Podcast, showcasing the Humanist Heritage Project and produced by Humanise Live.

Find out more: https://heritage.humanists.uk/

Support us at: https://humanists.uk/support-us/
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Last refreshed: June 9th, 2026 at 12:22 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Britain's Most Secular Parliament and the Battle That Built It

In 1880 a newly elected MP walked into the House of Commons and refused to swear an oath to God. Parliament refused to let him take his seat. He was re-elected four times. The standoff lasted six years. Charles Bradlaugh's fight ended with the Oaths Act of 1888, a turning point in the recognition of non-religious conscience in British public life. This episode traces that struggle from Bradlaugh's Northampton victory to the 2024 General Election, the most secular Westminster has ever returned, a...

Jun 03, 2026•42 min•Season 1Ep. 6

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights with Bill Cooke & Francesca Klug

In the aftermath of two world wars, a new vision for humanity began to take shape, one grounded in shared dignity, freedom, and cooperation across borders. At the heart of that vision were humanist thinkers, from H.G. Wells, whose Rights of Man helped inspire the movement, to Julian Huxley, the first Director-General of UNESCO. This episode traces the ideas that shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, asks why it still matters, and considers what challenges lie ahead for the universal ...

May 27, 2026•51 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Born of Mary - LGBT Rights & Humanism In Britain with Lesley Hall and Peter Parker

Join Humanists UK: humanists.uk/join Throughout modern British history, the movements for sexual freedom and freedom of belief have often converged, challenging moral orthodoxy and religious authority in the name of human dignity. This episode traces how humanism and LGBT activism have evolved side by side, and what that shared legacy means today. Guests: Lesley Hall , historian and retired archivist, specialising in sexuality and gender in 19th and 20th century Britain. Author of Sex, Gender an...

May 20, 2026•58 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Moral education without religion with Lois Lee & Susannah Wright

Education has always been central to humanist thought, from the founding of the Moral Instruction League in 1897 to Margaret Knight's scandalous 1955 BBC broadcasts on raising children without religion. This episode traces the long humanist tradition of moral and civic education in Britain, and asks how children form their identities and worldviews in an increasingly non-religious society. Guests: Dr Lois Lee , senior lecturer in secular studies at the University of Kent, whose research examines...

May 13, 2026•51 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Atheism before the Enlightenment with Michael Hunter and Patrick McGhee

Many people assume humanism began with the Enlightenment. But sceptical, rational, human-centred ideas have a much longer history. This episode travels back to the centuries before the so-called Age of Reason to meet the freethinkers, doubters, and proto-humanists who challenged religious orthodoxy when doing so could mean prison, exile, or death, and asks what their courage tells us about the slow erosion of religious certainty. Guests: Professor Michael Hunter , Emeritus Professor of History a...

May 06, 2026•49 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Heroines of freethought with Annie Laurie Gaylor & Nan Sloane

Throughout history, women have been leading voices for reason, equality, and human progress, even if their stories have too often been overlooked. Taking its title from Sara Underwood's 1876 collection, this episode sheds light on some of the women who defied religious and social convention, and asks what their legacy means for humanism today. Guests: Nan Sloane, historian, trainer, and author of Uncontrollable Women: Radicals, Reformers and Revolutionaries . nansloane.com Annie Laurie Gaylor , ...

Apr 29, 2026•59 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Introducing Unholy Histories: The Humanist Heritage Podcast from Humanists UK

Unholy Histories is the new Humanist Heritage Podcast from Humanists UK and inspired by the research of the Humanist Heritage Project . Join Andrew Copson and Madeleine Goodall as they uncover the rebels, reformers, and freethinkers who shaped a more open and compassionate Britain. The first episodes go live very soon. Subscribe now via your preferred podcast app to be notified the moment new episodes are released. Join Humanists UK: humanists.uk/join Discover more Humanist Heritage: heritage.hu...

Mar 25, 2026•2 min

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