Memorial plaque to the persecuted farm labourers at the Martyrs Tree in the small village of Tolpuddle in Dorset

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The image is of the Martyrs Tree and memorial erected in 1834 that tells the story of six farm workers whose wages were cut from nine to seven shillings per week by land owner John Frampton. The men met at this tree to discuss what they were going to do as they did not have enough money to live-on and were starving. John Frampton became aware of the men meeting and had them prosecuted. Convicted they were sent to the Australian penal colony for 7 years. Local people rose up in revolt and had the men returned to England. From this action it is said the Trade Union movement was established with current members of the now Trade Union Congress often having meetings in Tolpuddle in memory of these six men. See

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Size: 3994px × 6000px
Location: Tolpuddle, Dorset
Photo credit: © Allan Hartley / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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