In the 1830s life in villages like Tolpuddle was hard and getting worse. Farm workers could not bear yet more cuts to their pay. Some fought back by smashing the new threshing machines but this brought harsh punishments.
In 1834, farm workers in west Dorset formed a trade union. Unions were lawful and growing fast but six leaders of the union were arrested and sentenced to seven years’ transportation for taking an oath of secrecy. A massive protest swept across the country. Thousands of people marched through London and many more organised petitions and protest meetings to demand their freedom.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum tells the harrowing tale of the Martyrs arrest, trial and punishment, leading to the foundation of modern day trade unionism.
Friday 19 July 2019
Tolpuddle, near Dorchester, Dorset
This annual festival where thousands of people come together to celebrate trade unionism and remember the role of the Tolpuddle Martyrs offers a full programme of traditional and contemporary music and other attractions. This year the festival runs from Friday 19 July to Sunday 21 July 2019. Find out more from the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Tolpuddle, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7EH or call 01305 848237.
Visit the Tolpuddle Martyrs museum website or check out the festival website with ticket details and more (remember it’s free on Sunday).
The history of Tolpuddle Martyrs
800,000 Signatures from the public to campaign to get the Tolpuddle Martyrs (the first trade union) pardoned and brought back to the UK
If you are not yet a member of Unite can you afford not to to be?
You can join Unite the Union online : https://join.unitetheunion.org/
Or contact one of the Unite reps (Details below)
West Lothian Council Local Unite contacts
Unite the Union Shop Stewards/ Workplace Reps
Whitehill Service Centre
Senior Steward: Pat Tedford
Mobile: 07787 102 636 E mail pat.tedford@unitetheunion.org
Davy Johnstone
Davy Dowds
Donald Smail
Andy Dowds
Robert Lee
Kirkton Service Centre
Unite the Union Workplace Reps
Rab Brown Unite Convenor: Email robert.brown@westlothian.gov.uk
Tam Brown Unite Rep: Email: tam.brown@unitewlc.org
Jade Deans Unite Rep: Email:jaderooney91@hotmail.com
![1807Tolpuddle382[1]](https://wlcunite.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/1807tolpuddle3821.jpg?w=698)
Unite in West Lothian Council 