In 1925, one of the most unusual trials ever seen in a United States courtroom took place. Earlier that year, the state of Tennessee had passed the Butler Act, which made the teaching of evolution illegal. In the stifling July heat, and in a courtroom hung with banners proclaiming ‘Read Your Bible Daily’, 24-year-old teacher John Scopes stood trial.

With all the controversy about the recent British Council poll that suggested that 54% of British people want creationism covered in school science lessons, this is a lesson from history.