In 1834, six Dorset farm labourers were arrested and sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia. Their crime? To set up a 'friendly society' to bargain for better wages and escape appalling poverty. This book follows the story of the youngest 'Martyr', James Brine, from his boyhood in Tolpuddle, to the terrors of convict life in Australia, and the triumphant return to England after public outcry forced the sentences to be quashed, and the 'Tolpuddle Martyrs' became popular heroes. It also introduces colourful characters such as James Frampton, the ruthless landowner who framed the Martyrs, and the mythical superhero, Captain Swing, who inspired poverty riots across England.
- ISBN10 0340852038
- ISBN13 9780340852033
- Publish Date 13 June 2002
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 9 December 2006
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Hachette Children's Group
- Imprint Hodder Children's Books
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 128
- Language English