ONE of the biggest crowds for several years has celebrated the 221st anniversary of the death of Trowbridge martyr Thomas Helliker who was hanged on his 19th birthday in 1803.
They included several of the descendants of the Helliker family who live in Somerset and Wiltshire, one of whom can trace his ancestry back through five generations.
Once again, the ceremony was organised by the White Horse (Wiltshire) Trades Union Council to commemorate the anniversary of his death by hanging at Fisherton Gaol in Salisbury.
His arrest and conviction have been since been challenged as controversial and faulty, and he is now regarded as a victim of anti-Luddite sentiment.
Rosie Macgregor, of the White Horse (Wiltshire) TUC, said: “We had a good day. We had 40-50 people there, including the mayor of Trowbridge, who gave an excellent speech.
“It was one of the biggest crowds that we’ve had for several years and it was nice to see a few new faces there, including the Vicar of St James’ Church, Reverend Jake Eggertsen.
“The weather was also good. We have never had a wet day for the annual wreath-laying.”
The annual ceremony takes place each year on March 22 at 12 noon to commemorate the former shearman’s death after he was falsely accused of setting fire to the Littleton woollen mill.
Thomas Helliker, (sometimes spelt Hilliker or Elliker), was born in March 1784 and died aged 19 on March 22 1803.
He is often referred to as the Trowbridge Martyr, was a young apprentice shearman working in the woollen industry.
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 his 19th birthday.
It is likely that he had been framed by powerful clothiers determined to make an example.
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