Trowbridge Martyr’s death commemorated on 220th anniversary

Helliker was hanged on March 22 1803, the day before his 19th birthday, at Fisherton Gaol in Salisbury for his alleged role in machine-breaking at a Wiltshire woollen mill.

He is now regarded by Wiltshire trades unionists as a victim of anti-Luddite sentiment. The annual wreath-laying ceremony takes place each year on March 22 at 12 noon to commemorate the former shearman’s death.

More than 30 people gathered around his tomb in St James’ Churchyard on March 22 to commemorate his death.

They included the mayor of Trowbridge, Cllr Graham Hill; Carole Vallelly, a GMB delegate from the White Horse (Wiltshire) Trades Union Council, and Joanne Baber, from Bristol, with her son Reece and daughter Taylor Pearson, three of the descendants of Thomas’s uncle Joe Helliker.

Joanne Baber, her son Reece, and daughter Taylor Pearson lay wreaths on the tomb of Trowbridge Martryr Thomas Helliker along with Trowbridge Mayor Cllr Graham Hill and Carole Vallelly of the White Horse (Wiltshire) Trade Union Council. Photo: Trevor Porter 69718-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Hill said: “Thomas Helliker’s actions were morally correct and reflect on a brave, honourable and determined young soul.

“The punishment meted out to him was disproportionate, unjust and indefensible and, as such action inevitably does, brought nothing but shame on his accusers and judges.

“In his short life he set an example of solidarity and honour and was recognised as possessing those qualities at the time of his death.

“He was recognised then as he is today as a victim of injustice and scapegoat for spiteful revenge.

“We remember him today with pride and gratitude in inverse proportion to his accusers and murderers whose names are rightly lost to history.”

The inscription on the tomb of Trowbridge Martyr Thomas Helliker. Photo: Trevor Porter 69718-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Thomas Helliker, (sometimes spelt Hilliker or Elliker), often referred to as the Trowbridge Martyr, was a young apprentice shearman working in the woollen industry. 

Born on March 23, 1784, Helliker was falsely accused of setting fire to the Littleton woollen mill and arrested.

Rosie Macgregor, of the White Horse (Wiltshire) TUC, said: “When Littleton Mill, near Trowbridge was burned down in protest at the introduction of machinery he was apprehended on false accusation despite having an alibi and protesting his innocence.

"Although he probably knew those who had set the fire, he steadfastly refused to name them.

“He was charged and sent for trial in Salisbury where he was subsequently found guilty and was hanged at Fisherton Gaol on March 22, 1803 despite public outrage.

"It is likely that he had been framed by powerful clothiers determined to make an example.”