THE biggest crowd for several years has celebrated the 219th anniversary of the death of Trowbridge martyr Thomas Helliker.

A crowd of more than 40 people attended this year’s annual wreath-laying ceremony at his tomb in the churchyard at St James’ Church in Trowbridge.

They included Raegan Thomas and Joanne Baber, from Bristol, two of the descendents of Thomas’s uncle Joe Helliker.

Once again, the ceremony was organised by the White Horse (Wiltshire) Trades Union Council to commemorate the anniversary of his death by hanging at Fisherton Gaol in Salisbury.

Rosie Macgregor, of the White Horse (Wiltshire) TUC, said: “We had a good day. We had about 40 people there. It was the biggest crowd that we’ve had for several years.

“The mayor of Trowbridge, Cllr Denise Bates, gave a speech and there were two family members from Bristol present.”

The annual wreath-laying ceremony takes place each year on March 22 at 12 noon to commemorate the former shearman’s death after he was falsely accused of setting fire to the Littleton woollen mill.

Thomas Helliker, (sometimes spelt Hilliker or Elliker), often referred to as the Trowbridge Martyr, was a young apprentice shearman working in the woollen industry. 

Mrs Macgregor said: “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.

"Although he probably knew those who had set the fire, he steadfastly refused to name them.

“He was charged and sent for trial in Salisbury where he was subsequently found guilty and was hanged at Fisherton Gaol on his 19th birthday on March 22, 1803 despite public outrage.

"It is likely that he had been framed by powerful clothiers determined to make an example.”

The annual wreath-laying is generally attended by South West TUC members, well-wishers and relatives of the Helliker family.

On April 23, there will be a Thomas Helliker history day in Chippenham.