Under this tree nearly 200 years ago, six agricultural workers met to form a friendly society.

James Loveless, George Loveless, James Brine, James Hammett, Thomas Standfield, and John Standfield, they were The Tolpuddle martyrs.

They wanted better pay and working conditions foir agricultural workers.

All six were found guilty of swearing secret oaths and sentenced to transportation to Australia, but after a petition from the public they were pardoned and allowed to returin home.

This formed the beginning of the trade unions in Britain.