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George Loveless (1797-1874) in chains from Dorchester to a prison, (1834), 1934
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George Loveless (1797-1874) in chains from Dorchester to a prison, (1834), 1934
George Loveless (1797-1874) in chains at Salisbury, during his journey from Dorchester to a prison hulk, the York at Portsmouth to await transportation, 1834. 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. But 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
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Media ID 14959534
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Arrest Arrested Carriage Combination Acts Dorchester Dorset Friendly Society Hands Behind Back Journey Martyr Martyrdom Regulations Secret Society Tolpuddle Martyrs George Loveless Loveless
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The powerful print captures George Loveless, one of the renowned Tolpuddle Martyrs, in chains during his arduous journey from Dorchester to a prison hulk in Salisbury in 1834. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a courageous group of agricultural laborers from Dorset who faced unjust persecution for swearing an oath as members of the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers. This society, although structured as a friendly society and benefit organization, had elements that resembled modern trade unions. During this time, combining or organizing for improved working conditions was prohibited by the Combination Acts until their repeal in 1824/25. Consequently, Loveless and his fellow martyrs were sentenced to transportation to Australia. However, their convictions sparked widespread public outrage and garnered immense support with over 800,000 signatures collected for their release. A pivotal moment came when supporters organized a remarkable march – one of the earliest successful political marches in UK history – demanding justice for the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Their tireless efforts paid off as all but James Hammett (who had prior criminal records) were eventually released in 1836. This poignant image serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals who fought against oppressive laws and championed workers' rights. Published within "The Book of The Martyrs of Tolpuddle: 1834-1934" by The Trades Union Congress General Council in 1934, it stands as an enduring testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit amidst adversity.
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