Cobblestone thrown in a riot

Cobble stone thrown during the 'Bradlaugh Riot' of 1874
The people of Northampton have been known to challenge authority. This cobble was torn up from the Market Square on the evening of 6 October 1874 as 7000 people fought police. This had followed a parliamentary election campaign by Charles Bradlaugh. Bradlaugh was a reformer and atheist who later successfully campaigned that those of no faith should have the right to hold public office or give evidence in trials without having to give a religious oath.