Tolpuddle is situated on the River Piddle, close to the A35 between Dorchester and Bere Regis. It is a typical quiet rural Dorset village, little more than a collection of houses. Few would think that such a quiet village would be remembered for its martyrs. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of six men who banded together to make a pact beneath a giant sycamore tree in Tolpuddle. They had decided to ask for an extra three shillings a week, at a time when wages were to be reduced by a shilling. They formed the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers. For their activities, the six men were sentenced by a judge to transportation to Australia 'not for anything they had done, but as an example to others'. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were later pardoned but the incident is considered a key moment in the history of Trade Unions in Britain. Today there is a museum dedicated to the Tolpuddle Martyrs that you can visit. There is also a pub called The Martyrs Inn. Every year the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival is held at the village, sponsored by the TUC. Speakers such as Tony Benn and musicians such as Billy Bragg have featured at the festival in recent years.
Pub and Bar
Places to Stay near Tolpuddle
Heathcote House (1.95 miles)
Ilsington Lawn (2.30 miles)
Mallard House (3.32 miles)
Recently renovated ... More | visit website
Royal Oak Hotel (3.32 miles)
Culeaze Holidays (3.88 miles)
Frome Valley House Organic B&B (3.91 miles)
Pat Leyland extends a warm welcome to you at Frome Valley House Orgnaic Bed & Breakfast. The attractive property is set at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, which opens ... More
Yellowham Farmhouse (4.23 miles)
Situated in the very heart of Hardy Country on the edge of the idyllic Yellowham Wood within 120 acres of farmland. The farm contains an abundance of flora and fauna ... More
Hambro Arms (4.54 miles)
The Fox Inn (5.56 miles)
Deep in the beautiful Dorset countryside, this inn offers excellent accommodation, food, and service in peaceful surroundings. The Fox Inn is perfect for walking tours and ideally placed to explore the ... More
Countryman Inn (5.72 miles)
The Countryman Inn is a family pub in the heart of hardy country, situated just off the A252 at East Knighton, All rooms are en-suit. T.V, iron and ironing boards, ... More
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