They were connected to Robert Owen whose mills these were.
The site referenced his efforts to uplift his workforce through education, better working conditions & rights to be treated well.
Hubby is connected ancestrally to the leader of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, George Loveless. Three of the six men were Wesleyan preachers and were guided by their faith to be fair in all they say & do.
While showing visiting family around the Dorset places of the ancestors, we stopped at the little Museum (unfortunately closed on the day we visited) and then at the Wesleyan chapel nearby set up in their memory.
The booklet gives a really good summary of their convictions to their cause & the punishment they received.
Their actions was the start of the Trade Union movement, fair rights for workers.
They were all transported - taken by ship to the far flung corners of the empire, mainly Van Diemens land.
However, they were later pardoned & returned to England. However, several then left for the Americas.
It is an interesting story, worth researching & remembering that the rights workers enjoy today were a hard struggle & a huge cost paid to stand up. It is worth respecting the memory of those who fought for the rights.
I hope this has given you food for thought, thank you for stopping by. It is always appreciated.
Dee
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♥ Hi - thank you for stopping by, I appreciate your visit♥.