Humanists UK has launched ten Humanist Heritage walking tours, inviting everyone to learn more about the humanist radicals who shaped modern life across the UK. The self-guided walks are free to download, print, and follow, giving visitors and local people a new way to explore their city. And, conveniently, can be done at your own pace and at any time.
The tours are available to download now and cover:
Humanist Heritage: putting humanism on the map
Across the ten cities, walkers can discover sites connected to pioneering humanists and freethinkers including Charles Darwin, Virginia Woolf, Bertrand Russell, George Eliot, Nye Bevan, William Morris, Harriet Martineau, Thomas Paine and so many more.
Stories range from Bristol-born Emma Martin, a humanist who lectured to ‘promiscuous audiences’, to Nottingham radical bookseller Susannah Wright, who defied imprisonment to defend freedom of the press, and Belfast social reformer Mary Ann McCracken, who continued her executed brother’s struggle for equality through decades of non-denominational social work.
The walks also uncover surprising links to global figures: Mahatma Gandhi corresponded with Britain’s emerging organised humanist movement; formerly enslaved abolitionist Frederick Douglass challenged the religious defenders of slavery in Belfast, Bristol, and Nottingham; and South African anti-apartheid campaigner Kader Asmal helped to shape Belfast’s civil rights movement.
Humanist history is closer than you think. You can use our interactive Humanist Heritage map to find your nearest humanist landmark.
Celebrating 130 years of Humanists UK
The launch of these marks the 130th anniversary of Humanists UK. In 1896, representatives from Britain’s growing network of ethical societies came together to establish the Union of Ethical Societies, the organisation now known as Humanists UK. Although its name and activities have evolved, its central purpose has remained consistent: bringing non-religious people together to lead ethical lives and work for a fairer, more tolerant society.
The walks show how that story continues today. The Cardiff route features Humanists UK Vice President and Cardiff University alumna Professor Alice Roberts, while the Sheffield walk recalls local events featuring Vice President Professor Jim Al-Khalili.
Humanist Heritage Manager Madeleine Goodall said:
‘Humanist history is everywhere, if you know where to look. These walks bring that history into view, revealing the freethinkers, reformers, scientists, writers, and activists whose ideas helped to shape our towns and cities.’
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘These walks are a wonderful way to celebrate 130 years of organised humanism in the UK. They allow people to step directly into the history of a movement whose members have worked across generations to expand freedom, equality, knowledge, and human happiness.
‘The stories may be rooted in particular streets and cities, but the values connecting them remain as relevant as ever: think for yourself, act for everyone. We hope people will download a route, gather some friends, and discover how much humanist history has been hiding in plain sight.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or telephone 0203 675 0959 (media only).
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefiting over a million people every year, and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
Humanist Heritage is Humanists UK’s online resource exploring the untold history of humanism in the UK through its people, groups, objects, places, movements, publications, and ideas.