Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum
In the 1830s life in villages like Tolpuddle was hard and getting worse. Farm workers could not bear yet more cuts to their pay. Some fought back by smashing the new threshing machines but this brought harsh punishments.
In 1834, farm workers in west Dorset formed a trade union. Unions were lawful and growing fast but six leaders of the union were arrested and sentenced to seven years’ transportation for taking an oath of secrecy. A massive protest swept across the country. Thousands of people marched through London and many more organised petitions and protest meetings to demand their freedom.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum tells the harrowing tale of the Martyrs arrest, trial and punishment, leading to the foundation of modern day trade unionism.
Opening Times
Summer Apr-Oct
Closed on Mondays
Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm
Open Bank Holidays 11am
Admission free
Winter Nov – March
Closed Monday-Wednesday
Thursday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 11am – 4pm
Museum closed between Christmas and New Year
Free Admission
Contact Information
You can contact us in the following ways –
By post :
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Dorchester Road, Tolpuddle, Dorset, DT2 7EH
By email :
By phone :
+44 (0) 1305 848 237
