Anger at jubilee dedication for Tolpuddle Martyrs’ famous tree

THE tree where the Tolpuddle Martyrs met to discuss workers’ rights and form Britain’s first trade union is at the centre of a row over plans to dedicate it to the Queen.

Descendants of the six agricultural labourers take issue with the National Trust’s inclusion of the sycamore tree in its Platinum Jubilee celebrations, claiming it undermines their cause.

The six met around the tree in the Dorset village of Tolpuddle in 1833 to discuss how to improve working conditions and protest at falling rates of pay. They formed a friendly society, seen as the first trade union in Britain, but were sentenced to transportation to Australia for the crime of swearing a secret oath.

The tree is now owned by the trust which has announced it will join 69 other trees and 70 ancient woodlands in being dedicated to the Queen to mark her 70 years on the throne. It is part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to encourage the public to plant new trees.

Derick Pride, 81, who is descended from martyr James Brine, said: “I think it is very inappropriate because they were victimised by those in power.”

Susan Standfield, a descendant of martyr John Standfield, added: “The tree honours my ancestors and all labourers’ hardship but the use of it for the Jubilee doesn’t address that.”

However, Nigel Costley, the South West regional secretary for the Trade Union Congress, backed the dedication. “The monarchy played a very different role in the 1800s and this dedication will raise awareness of how far we have come,” he said.