George Standring

Born in 1855, Standring was brought up as a Wesleyan Methodist, but became an atheist when he was seventeen, and joined the National Secular Society (NSS), becoming its secretary in 1875.

[1][2] He used the paper's printing press to publish work for numerous other radical groups, including the Fabian Society from its formation.

[3] Standring was personally opposed to socialism for many years, but in 1894 changed his mind, leaving the NSS, and joining the Fabian Society.

[2][3] He founded and served as secretary of the Freethought Federation, as a rival to the NSS.

[2] In 1903, Standring was elected to Finsbury Borough Council.