Percy Bysshe Shelley, an influential English Romantic poet, became embroiled in controversy when he published 'The Necessity of Atheism', a pamphlet that questioned the validity of theism and argued for a rational, atheistic worldview. Shelley's stance was radical for his time, challenging not only the religious orthodoxy prevalent in early 19th-century England but also the institutional norms of the University of Oxford, a bastion of traditional education and Christian values.

After the pamphlet came to the attention of university officials, Shelley was accused of disturbing the peace and undermining the moral fabric of the institution. In March 1811, he was expelled from the university following a formal trial, which underscored the clash between progressive ideas and established conventions. Shelley's expulsion had lasting implications, not only for his personal career as a poet and thinker but also for the broader discourse on atheism and individual belief systems in the early 19th century.

In the aftermath, Shelley continued his literary pursuits, producing some of his best-known works, reflecting on themes of revolution, freedom, and the human condition. His experiences at Oxford influenced his later writings and contributed to his burgeoning reputation as a leading figure in Romantic literature.