The Tolpuddle

Martyrs

50,000 trade unionist rally for the release of the Tolpuddle Martyrs 

List of key words

In 1800 it was illegal to be in a trade union. Because of the wars with the French the government were very worried about anyone joining a society that could have secrets. It was made illegal to join any group that had secret oaths.

George Loveless was a farm worker who lived in Dorset. He found out that his wage of 7 shillings (35 pence) was about 15p lower than it was in other areas. He also found out that the local farm owners were planning to drop this by 5p

By the 1830s it was no longer illegal to form a union. He and several others wanted to join the GNCTU (Grand National Consolidated Trades Union). Because they were worried about what their employers would say they decided to take an oath in secrecy. This was the crime they were found guilty of and sentenced to 7.5 years transportation to Australia for.

The courts refused to let their families claim poor relief money as they said "If they have money enough for unions they have money enough for food".

There was such a wave of protest that the seven men were brought back after just short of three years.

People were now very wary about joining a union.

How to convert money from old to new

To begin with old pence was always written as (d) not (p)

There were 12d to a shilling.

20 shillings to a pound.

A crown was 25p

A half crown was 12.5p

Now a penny we have would be equal to 2d

A shilling was 5p

So instead of 100p to a pound there were 144d!

All very confusing?

Well when decimalisation came in 1972 people were very angry that they would never get the hang of this 'new money'!

Martyr. Someone who is prepared to die for their beliefs.

Trade Union.

A group of people who form a workplace association for their common good (to increase wages, improve conditions etc.)

Transportation.

The forced movement of people to Australia to live out their prison sentence on a prison colony.

Oath

A solemn undertaking to promise loyalty to a group.

Thomas Stanfield (Aged51)

James Brine (Aged 25)

George Loveless (Aged 41)

James Loveless (Aged 29)

John Stanfield (Aged 25)