1880 April 2. Bradlaugh elected (with Mr Labouchere) for Northampton. May 3. Asked to be allowed to make affirmation of allegiance. A Select Committee agreed to be appointed to consider his claim. 12. Committee of 17 appointed. 20. Committee reported, by casting vote of Chairman, against the claim to affirm. Bradlaugh announces his intention to take the oath. 21. Presented himself at the table of the House to do so. Motion made that he be not permitted. Amendment moved by Mr Gladstone, that the claim to take the oath be referred to a Select Committee, carried by 289 votes to 214. 28. Committee of 23 appointed. June 2. Bradlaugh examined by Committee. 16. Committee reported that Bradlaugh could not properly take the oath, and recommended that he be allowed to affirm at his legal peril. 21. Motion made by Mr Labouchere that he be allowed to affirm. 22. Motion defeated by 275 votes to 230. 23. Bradlaugh again presented himself, claiming to be sworn. Made his _First Speech at the Bar_. Refusing to withdraw, was finally taken into custody on motion of Sir Stafford Northcote. 24. Bradlaugh unconditionally released from custody. July 1. Mr Gladstone moved as a Standing Order that members-elect be allowed at their choice to affirm, at their legal peril. Motion carried by 303 votes to 249. 2. Bradlaugh made affirmation of allegiance and took his seat. On giving his first vote, was served with a writ suing for penalty. 14. Tory Bill introduced to incapacitate all Atheists for membership (fell through). 1881 Mar. 11. Judgment given against Bradlaugh in suit for penalty, he being thus pronounced unqualified to make affirmation of allegiance. Bradlaugh gave notice of appeal. 31. Judgment given against him on appeal. Seat thus vacated. 1881 April 9. Bradlaugh re-elected for Northampton, by 3437 votes to 3305. 26. Presented himself to be sworn. Made his _Second Speech at the Bar_. Motion made that he be not allowed to take the oath, carried by 208 votes to 175, many Liberals and Home Rulers abstaining. Bradlaugh again presented himself to be sworn, and refused to withdraw. House adjourned. 27. Bradlaugh presented himself as before, and refused to withdraw. After debate, withdrew on informal understanding that Government should attempt to introduce