The Case of the Tolpuddle Martyrs

Who were the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of farm labourers from the village of Tolpuddle in Dorset, led by George Loveless.

What motivated the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

They were unhappy with their wages and working conditions, so tried to improve them by asking for an increase in their weekly pay. Their employers, the farm owners, refused - and then cut wages again.

What did the Tolpuddle Martyrs do?

The Tolpuddle Martyrs wanted to protect their wage levels so, in 1833, they formed a secret union. They swore an oath to keep it secret and support one another.

Why were the Tolpuddle Martyrs seen as a threat?

There were 4 main reasons the government saw the Tolpuddle Martyrs as a threat:

• ❖ The British government, genuinely afraid of rebellions and uprisings, was extra vigilant in looking for signs of conspiracy and plotting.
• ❖ The government feared the French Revolution of 1789 would inspire British people to do the same.
• ❖ The Swing Riots of 1830 saw 400 farm labourers destroy farming machines they blamed for keeping their wages low.
• ❖ The Grand National Consolidated Trades Union was set up in 1833. It aimed to bring all workers together, threatening business owners.

How were the Tolpuddle Martyrs caught?

They were caught when news of their secret oath was leaked to the rich landowners.

How were the Tolpuddle Martyrs tried?

Forming a union was not a crime so they were tried under old naval laws designed to prevent mutiny at sea.

How were the Tolpuddle Martyrs punished?

In 1834 Loveless and 5 other Tolpuddle Martyrs were sentenced to 7 years' transportation.

How did people react to the punishment of the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

The men were regarded as martyrs for union rights and a campaign was organised against their unfair treatment. One petition demanding their release was signed by 250,000 people. In 1836 the government granted all 6 men a pardon.

Why was the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs important?

The case of the Tolpuddle Martyrs shows how public opinion could influence what was regarded as a crime, and how the authorities punished people.