This week in history: Tolpuddle Martyrs

Issue 

On August 17, 1834 the Tolpuddle Martyrs arrived in Sydney after a four-month sea voyage, having been sentenced to seven years' transportation by a court in Dorchester, England. James Brine, James Hammett, George Loveless, James Loveless, John Standfield, and Thomas Standfield were arrested and marched in chains from Tolpuddle to Dorchester for forming a trade union for agricultural labourers in an attempt to resist the imposition of wage cuts by local farmers. The sentences caused outrage in England, and a public campaign of petitions and demonstrations forced the then Home Secretary, Lord John Russell, to grant the martyrs conditional pardons in June 1835, followed by full pardons in March 1836. The men were greeted with heroes' receptions on their return to England.

From Green Left Weekly, August 17, 2005.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.