Before the Arrest

Enclosed in Poverty

Wages of Despair

Captain Swing

Formation of Unions

The Man Who Framed
the Martyrs



The Man Who Framed the Martyrs

Born in 1769 at Moreton House, near Tolpuddle, into a long established family of country gentlemen, he passionately believed in Church, Constitution, King and Country - and maintenance of the status quo.

James Frampton framed the Martyrs on a trumped up charge of administering an unlawful oath, using a law applicable to the Navy not workers' rights.

He feared trades unionism threatened the power base and wealth of the landed upper classes.

Having witnessed the French Revolution, he was determined to suppress any sign of rebellion or opposition whatever the cause.


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