In a world where history often spotlights the religious and the divine, the upcoming event on Tuesday (12th September 2023), promises to shed light on a different narrative – one of freethinking individuals who made their mark on the Isle of Wight.
Steeped in stories that challenge conventions and celebrate rationality, this event invites you to delve into the lives of remarkable humanists who once called this picturesque Island their home.
A tapestry of unconventional lives
Algernon Charles Swinburne, a poet known for his unorthodox views, paved the way for an atypical final farewell when he specified that his 1909 funeral in Bonchurch should remain untouched by religious rituals.
Meanwhile, the echoes of a revolutionary spirit resonate in the life of Jacquetta Hawkes, the first woman to venture into the realm of archaeology and anthropology at Cambridge University. Her years at Brook alongside her husband J.B. Priestley are a testament to her unyielding commitment to intellectual exploration.
Questioning the beyond: A legacy of rationalism
Dr Ivor Lloyd Tuckett, a name less familiar but equally significant, gained prominence for his tireless efforts to debunk the claims of spiritualists and mediums.
His critical mind and unwavering dedication to evidence-based inquiry stand as a pillar of skepticism in a world often enamored by the mystical.
As he spent his final years at Cowes, his presence added yet another layer to the rich tapestry of humanist history on the Isle of Wight.
A journey through the Humanist heritage project
Join Isle of Wight Humanists on 12th September as they embark on a journey to unearth these captivating stories and reflect on the legacies they leave behind.
This event is a culmination of the tireless work carried out under the Humanist Heritage Project, a venture generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project’s focus on non-religious history in the UK has allowed lesser-known narratives to be brought to the forefront of collective consciousness.
Meet the mind behind the unveiling
Guiding you through this voyage of discovery is Madeleine Goodall, the Humanist Heritage Coordinator for Humanists UK and their dedicated Wikimedian in Residence.
With a deep passion for history and an unwavering commitment to sharing the richness of humanist heritage, Madeleine has been diligently unravelling the threads of the past since 2019. Her expertise promises to illuminate these stories with the clarity they deserve.
Mark your calendars
As 12th September approaches, an opportunity awaits to dive into the intriguing lives of those who dared to think beyond the bounds of tradition.
The event stands as a tribute to their courage, intellect, and the enduring relevance of their ideas. So mark your calendars, embrace the spirit of inquiry, and join others on a journey through the annals of humanist history on the Isle of Wight.
Book your free seat
Madeleine Goodall’s talk, Swinburne To Spiritualism – A Humanist History of the Isle of Wight, takes place on Tuesday 12th September from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Entry is free and all are welcome. You can register in advance to let the organisers know how many people hope to attend.
More info
Those wishing for more information about the event can visit the Isle of Wight Humanists Website, or to know more about Humanists UK, please visit Humanists UK.
Our thanks to Isle of Wight Humanists for sponsoring for this feature. They and other businesses and organisations taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free.
Image: Jacquetta Hawkes; J.B. Priestley by Howard Coster, 1953. NPG x2081 © National Portrait Gallery, London. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
