1 Jul 1834 Jahr - Tolpuddle Martyrs sentenced to transportation

Beschreibung:

The attempt of the Martyrs in Dorset in 1834 to form a union was met with savage repression.

A group of labour ours In Tolpuddle formed a friendly society of agricultural labourers. Aimed to negotiate with the farmers.

Local magistrates were concerned enough to issue a proclamation and approach the Whig Home Secretary. Lord Melbourne. He agreed to the arrest of the members and they were charged under Pitt's act of 1797 against treasonable oaths. The main influence, George Loveless and 5 others were tried and sentenced to 7 years transportation to work as forced labour in Australia.

In March 1834 (same month as the trial) the GNCTU held a mass protest meeting which was attended by 10,000. It was easily beaten. The following month, 100,000 attended a protest at King's Cross but the men were still sent to Australia. They were pardoned in March 1836 by the new Home Secretary, Lord John Russell.