55

Three Aspects of Liberty

By John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill set out three kinds of liberty essential to a truly free society: freedom of conscience, of tastes, and of association.

56

The Peterloo Massacre

By William Edward Armytage Axon

A rowdy but good-humoured crowd gathered in St Peter’s Fields, Manchester, to protest against electoral malpractice and Government cronyism.

57

The Blaze of Truth and Liberty

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

Macaulay recalled an Italian fable about a fairy doomed every now and then to take the form of a snake, and drew from her a lesson about Liberty.

58

Land of Opportunity

By Thomas Fuller

Edward III enticed over-regulated Dutch textile workers across the Channel with the promise of English beef and English beauties.

59

‘There is No Precedent for Such a Thing!’

By Elbert Green Hubbard

When Elizabeth Fry asked if she could lead prayers for the women inside Newgate gaol, the Governor was momentarily confused.

60

A New Year’s Resolution

By Charles Dickens

Toby ‘Trotty’ Veck used to love hearing the church bells ring the New Year in, but now the chimes make him feel guilty, and afraid for the world.