Roalfe

(Matilda), a brave woman, b. 1813. At the time of the blasphemy prosecutions in 1843, she went from London to Edinburgh to uphold the right of free publication. She opened a shop and circulated a manifesto setting forth her determination to sell works she deemed useful “whether they did or did not bring into contempt the Holy Scriptures and the Christian Religion.” When prosecuted for selling The Age of Reason , The Oracle of Reason , etc., she expre ed her intention of continuing her offence as soon as liberated. She was sentenced to two months imprisonment 23 Jan. ’44, and on her liberation continued the sale of the prosecuted works. She afterwards married Mr. Walter Sanders on and settled at Gala shiels, where she died 29 Nov. 1880.