On Saturday 25th April 2009 it is the 175th anniversary of the Grand Demonstration in support of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.A 100,000 people marched in central London to demand the release of the 6 Dorset farm workers who had been sentenced to 7 years transportation to Australia for forming a trade union. There was also a 200,000 strong petition. Not bad if you consider the size of the population at that time.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs were eventually granted free pardons. The South West and South Eastern regional TUC are planning a series of events on the day to take place next to the mural (picture from a "postcard invite" I picked up at SERTUC the other week) in Edwards Square, near Kings Cross. There will be a recreation of the Martyrs’ oath, banner making, music, comedy and stalls.
My first housing job in London was in an estate office in Bethnal Green where housing blocks were called after each of the Martyrs.
Email SERTUC for further details.
