托尔普德尔殉道者

 托尔普德尔殉道者

Paul King

Table of contents

纵观历史,勇敢的人因其信仰(通常是宗教信仰)而被处决的故事是众所周知的,但被称为托尔普德尔烈士的人并没有因其宗教信仰而受到迫害。

托尔普德尔是多塞特郡多切斯特附近的一个村庄,在1833年和1834年,这里发生了一波巨大的工会活动,并成立了一个农业工人友好协会的分会。 加入工会需要支付一先令(5便士),并在一幅骷髅画前发誓永远不告诉任何人工会的秘密。

墨尔本勋爵是此时的首相,他激烈地反对工会运动,因此,当6名英国农场工人在1834年3月因工会活动被判处7年监禁,送往澳大利亚的一个刑罚区时,墨尔本勋爵没有对判决提出异议。

这些劳工被逮捕,表面上是由于非法宣誓,但真正的原因是他们试图抗议他们已经很可怜的工资。 托尔普德尔的劳工每周只靠7先令生活,他们希望增加到10先令,但他们的工资反而被削减到每周6先令。

See_also: 威廉二世(鲁弗斯)

辉格党政府对此时国内工人阶级的不满情绪感到震惊。 政府和以詹姆斯-弗兰普顿为首的地主们决心压制工会,并控制日益爆发的异议。

托尔普德尔的六名劳工被逮捕:乔治和詹姆斯-乐福里斯、詹姆斯-布林、詹姆斯-哈梅特、托马斯-斯坦斯菲尔德和他的儿子约翰。 正是乔治-乐福里斯在托尔普德尔成立了农业工人友好协会。

在审判中,法官和陪审团持敌对态度,这六人被判处7年监禁,送往澳大利亚。 审判后,举行了许多公众抗议会议,全国上下对这一判决哗然,因此这些囚犯被匆匆运往澳大利亚,没有拖延。

人们对这种待遇感到愤怒,在25万人签署请愿书和3万人在白厅游行支持劳工之后,判决被撤销。 经过一段时间的拖延,这六个人获得了从澳大利亚回家的免费通道。

当最终回家并获得自由时,一些 "殉道者 "在英国的农场定居,四人移民到加拿大。

殉道者 "相遇的那棵树现在已经很老了,变成了一个树桩,但它已经成为托尔普德尔的一个朝圣之地,在那里它被称为 "殉道者之树"。 1934年,富有的伦敦制衣商欧内斯特-德本汉爵士在绿地上建起了一个纪念性的座椅和庇护所。

托尔普德尔烈士的故事也许是工会运动早期历史中最著名的案例。

有用信息:

托尔普德尔烈士集会--七月的第三个星期

纪念托尔普德尔烈士斗争的年度节日于每年7月的第三个周末在多塞特的托尔普德尔村举行。 国际演讲者与工人代表、进步音乐家和艺术家一起,使其成为一个值得纪念的场合。

See_also: 塞西尔-罗德斯

多尔切斯特希尔厅

这座一级保护建筑建于1797年,由伦敦建筑师托马斯-哈德威克设计。 它保留了1834年托尔普德尔烈士因参与早期工会运动而被判处运往澳大利亚的法庭。 今天它的外观与当时一样。 法庭下面是囚犯在等待出庭时关押的牢房。

Paul King

Paul King is a passionate historian and avid explorer who has dedicated his life to uncovering the captivating history and rich cultural heritage of Britain. Born and raised in the majestic countryside of Yorkshire, Paul developed a deep appreciation for the stories and secrets buried within the ancient landscapes and historic landmarks that dot the nation. With a degree in Archaeology and History from the renowned University of Oxford, Paul has spent years delving into archives, excavating archaeological sites, and embarking on adventurous journeys across Britain.Paul's love for history and heritage is palpable in his vivid and compelling writing style. His ability to transport readers back in time, immersing them in the fascinating tapestry of Britain's past, has earned him a respected reputation as a distinguished historian and storyteller. Through his captivating blog, Paul invites readers to join him on a virtual exploration of Britain's historical treasures, sharing well-researched insights, captivating anecdotes, and lesser-known facts.With a firm belief that understanding the past is key to shaping our future, Paul's blog serves as a comprehensive guide, presenting readers with a wide range of historical topics: from the enigmatic ancient stone circles of Avebury to the magnificent castles and palaces that once housed kings and queens. Whether you are a seasonedhistory enthusiast or someone seeking an introduction to the enthralling heritage of Britain, Paul's blog is a go-to resource.As a seasoned traveler, Paul's blog is not limited to the dusty volumes of the past. With a keen eye for adventure, he frequently embarks on on-site explorations, documenting his experiences and discoveries through stunning photographs and engaging narratives. From the rugged highlands of Scotland to the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds, Paul takes readers along on his expeditions, unearthing hidden gems and sharing personal encounters with local traditions and customs.Paul's dedication to promoting and preserving the heritage of Britain extends beyond his blog as well. He actively participates in conservation initiatives, helping to restore historical sites and educate local communities about the importance of preserving their cultural legacy. Through his work, Paul strives not only to educate and entertain but also to inspire a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of heritage that exists all around us.Join Paul on his captivating journey through time as he guides you to unlock the secrets of Britain's past and discover the stories that shaped a nation.