Tolpuddle
| Tolpuddle | |
| Dorset | |
|---|---|
 St John the Evangelist, Tolpuddle | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SY792944 |
| Location: | 50°44’58"N, 2°17’46"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 420 (2013 est.) |
| Post town: | Dorchester |
| Postcode: | DT2 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Dorset |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
West Dorset |
Tolpuddle is a village in Dorset, on the River Piddle from which it takes its name, eight miles east of Dorchester, the county town, and twelve miles west of Poole, the county's largest town. The estimated population in 2013 was 420.
The name of the village is famous as it was home to the 'Tolpuddle Martyrs'; six men who were sentenced to be transported to Australia after they formed a friendly society in 1833 with a view to obtaining better wages. A row of cottages, housing agricultural workers and a museum, and a row of seated statues commemorate the martyrs. The annual Tolpuddle Martyrs festival is held in the village on the third weekend of July. An ancient sycamore tree on the village green, known as the Martyrs' Tree, is said to be the place where the six swore their oath. It is cared for by the National Trust.[1]
About the village
St John the Evangelist's Parish Church dates from the 13th century.[2]
The Martyrs Inn public house is owned by nearby Athelhampton House, a Tudor house opened to the public approximately one mile to the west.
In 1999, the A35 trunk road through south Dorset, was moved to bypass the village.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Tolpuddle) |
References
- ↑ Tolpuddle Martyrs village tree pruning carried out: BBC News, 7 November 2014
- ↑ West Dorset Holiday and Tourist Guide. West Dorset District Council. c. 1983. p. 21.
- Pitt-Rivers, Michael: 'Dorset' (Faber & Faber, 1969)
