In 1834 six farm laborers from the Dorset hamlet of Tolpuddle fell foul of draconian Victorian laws prohibiting assembly. Today the names of George Loveless and his brother James, Thomas Standfield and his son John, James Brine and James Hammett, who made up the Tolpuddle Martyrs, stand high on the roll of British men who have been victimized for their beliefs but stood steadfast in the face of persecution. They refused to be persuaded to betray their principles either by the promise of release or by transportation to Australia. The Tolpuddle men fought to win their freedom sustained by their passionate conviction that their sacrifices would not be in vain. Their experience and example have proved to be an inspiration for future generations and they remain icons of pioneering trade unionism.The Author has thoroughly researched their story and the result is a fascinating and revealing reexamination of this legendary saga. Their triumph over legal persecution and abuses of power over 180 years ago is told afresh in this comprehensive and attractively illustrated book which delves deeper into their story than ever before.

In his introduction to this new edition of Herbert ('Doc') Evatt's brilliant account of the six rural labourers transported in 1834 for swearing an oath of solidarity, Geoffrey Robertson argues that the case should inspire the Rudd Labor government to legislate for a bill of rights in Australia today.

A story about the Tolpuddle Martyrs, with the one named Hammett being my relative. Many previously have written on this subject, but with this publication there is a difference. The reader is also taken on an historical voyage through a century or two with members and relatives of James Hammett and his family tree. Famous worldwide historical events would not only wrap around certain individuals, but place them within those benchmarks of time. A wealth of information is to be found within these pages, including previously unpublished facts with original sources, associated photographs and artwork. A magnet draw for those interested in all things associated with the Tolpuddle Martyrs and a Tolpuddle Hammett family tree in book form to quench the thirst of those seeking this knowledge. With them one is transported to the places and experiences their various life or career paths trod.

This book seeks to renew and expand the field of British labour studies, setting out new avenues for research so as to widen the audience and academic interest in the field, in a context which makes the revisiting of past struggles and dilemmas more pressing than ever.