The First Trade Union In The World Started Here
The neatly trimmed gardens of a quiet English village give no hint of its unique link to trade unionism in the world!
Although, the village today has a more gentrified appearance. This is the seat of the first British and of any trade union movement in the World.
Tolpuddle Martyrs trade union rally Dorset.
Tolpuddle today, is much removed from what the six agricultural workers that formed that union back in 1834 would have known. These six men, that dared to question their local Squire ended up paying the price of, transportation to Australia!
The First Trade Union Started In A Quiet Dorset Village
The village of Tolpuddle, now sits 400 yards away off the main east west trunk road leaving it now by-passed and quiet. Today its a retirement hot-spot. Many residents in the village are in a financial class that would have been unachievable and unbelievable by those six if they were alive today. The majority there now living in houses valued at £250,000 to £375,000 but nevertheless the former union members and working class still have a foothold there.
Music and speeches at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Rally. © www.thetraveltrunk.net
They are housed in the TUC (Trade’s Union Congress) cottages built in memory of the six Tolpuddle Martyrs. And, located at the western end of the village. Part of the complex is a museum dedicated to the Martyrs. Flanked by 3 cottages on each side. All of these are given to retired trade union’s members in which to live out the rest of their lives.
Colourful International Event
Here one of largest trade union rallies in the UK is held front of these homes annually. Generally on the third weekend of July, where now once a year a massive parade is held along its main street.
First trade union Tolpuddle. © www.thetraveltrunk.net
Colourful marchers of all ages with banners and bands wind their way to the eastern end of the village. Laying of wreaths at the grave of the only one of the Martyrs to return to his home village is special. A ceremony at the graveside of James Hammett. With the marchers returning to the TUC cottages for speeches and music.
Tony Benn MP a supporter of Trade Union Movement lays a wreath on the Hammett grave. © www.thetraveltrunk.net
Apart from the parade for much of the year just a smattering of tourists come to visit. Seeking knowledge about history and trade union’s roots.
“WE WILL, WE WILL BE FREE”!
The tiny chapel where some of the 6 attended and the tree on the village green where they all conspired are still there. All are a focus for those on the Tolpuddle trade union trail.
Methodist chapel where the men attended. © www.thetraveltrunk.net
The local pub the Martyrs Inn, is today the main hub for the villagers and passing visitors. Providing a modern menu that the Martyrs themselves would have only been able to dream of. Modern times it maybe. However, today there is no shop or post office so a short drive to the nearby villages of Puddletown or Bere Regis can be required.
Memorial banner to the six men who started the first Trade Union at Tolpuddle in Dorset. © www.thetraveltrunk.net
George Loveless and five of his fellow workers, his brother James, James Brine, James Hammett, Thomas Standfield, and Thomas’s son John were all charged with having taken an illegal oath. The used to meet under the tree in the centre of the village.
Martyr’s tree in Tolpuddle.
However, in the eyes of the establishment and local Squire James Frampton they had formed a trade union and sworn an oath deemed illegal. They wanted better wages than their paltry pay of six old shillings a week. In todays money 30p ($0.50c) and so they felt they had to make a stand and ask for a pay rise from the Squire.
Visit The Courthouse
They were tried and sentenced in the law courts in Dorchester (which can still be visited). Following the trial ‘transported’ to Australia, leaving their families penniless.
Tried in this court house in Dorchester. © www.thetraveltrunk.net
Supporters around the country helped them and after a massive protest in London the Martyrs were freed and pardoned.
Worlds first trade union was formed here. © www.thetraveltrunk.net
Returning to the village, James Hammett worked as a builder’s labourer. Leaving the others to opt, because of continuing anti-union pressure and lack of work to go to Canada. They became farmers in Ontario.
Tolpuddle rally in Dorset. © www.thetraveltrunk.net
The rally weekend is a very colourful affair. With throngs of trade unionists, supporters and even some distant relations of the martyrs descending on the village. Many camping in the surrounding fields. All there to ensure that the memory of the six who started the world’s first trade union and their sacrifice for social justice is still remembered.
Grave of James Hammett. © www.thetraveltrunk.net
International visitors attend the three-day festival, with thousands from the UK. The left leaning political event does attract some great musicians and performers. Generally making it a relaxed all round family day out but with a social message too!
