2-617-547 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The letter written to Home Secretary John Russell (1792-1878) by the wives of the Tolpuddle Martyrs', 1836. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of 19th century agricultural labourers from Dorset who were convicted of swearing a secret oath as members of the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers. The rules of the society show it was clearly structured as a friendly society and operated as a trade-specific benefit society. At the time, friendly societies had strong elements of what would now be considered trade unions. Before 1824/25 the Combination Acts had outlawed 'combining' or organising to gain better working conditions. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were subsequently sentenced to transportation to Australia. Their convictions caused public outcry and 800,000 signatures were collected for their release. The march organised by thier supporters was one of the first successful political marches in the UK, and all, except James Hammett (who had a previous criminal record for theft) were released in 1836. From 'The Book of The Martyrs of Tolpuddle: 1834-1934', published by The Trades Union Congress General Council, 1934.