THE 217th anniversary of the death of Trowbridge martyr Thomas Helliker took place today (March 22) where a wreath was laid at St James Church in Trowbridge.

Thomas was an 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.

He is thought to have known who had set the fire, although he refused to name them.

The annual event is organised by the White Horse (Wiltshire) Trades Union Council to commemorate Thomas Helliker.

Member Di Harris said: "We have had to scale it back this year. But there were a couple of us who would have laid the wreath on our own so we were prepared for that.

"To have a few people shows how important it is for us. It commemorates what was a miscarriage of justice. So he was a scapegoat and just 19 years old so very young.

"They bought him back from Salisbury when he died in a horse and carriage across the Salisbury plain. Thousands of women dressed in white it was massive.

"They use to perform a play about him at the village pump room so it would be good to bring that back.

"I'm really grateful to everyone for coming and pleased there are a few of us."

Mr Helliker was hanged on his 19th birthday on 22 March 1803.

Member Sam Selman said: "He is a key figure in the establishment of trade unions. So we need to remember their history and for people to know it was a really important battle. The industrial revolution had its consequences for a lot of people."