Tolpuddle 2007 - Damp but Defiant
The 2007 Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival took place from 13-15 July under grey skies but with a great turnout from trade unionists and plenty of high spirits.
RMT members Arthur Richardson and Tony Donaghey (RMT National President 2004-2006) carrying the RMT Bristol Rail branch banner and getting upstaged by two young supporters
The gravestone of James Hammett
Born at the end of 1811, married with a baby son when arrested, James Hammett was an outsider: unlike the other Tolpuddle Martyrs, he never wrote about his experiences, had a criminal record and was not a Methodist. He alone stayed in Tolpuddle, as a builder's labourer. He was not at the fateful initiation, and may have accepted arrest on behalf of his newly-married brother, John, who was present and whose wife was about to give birth. Hammett had been imprisoned in 1829 for allegedly stealing some pieces of iron.
Tony Gulley with Jenny looking over Tolpuddle churchyard wall
Bob Crow (General Secretary, RMT) and Joe O'Flynn (General Secretary, SIPTU) on his left at Hammett's grave
Mourners at the grave of James Hammett including (from right to left) Brendan Barber (TUC General Secretary), Peter Gale, Tony Benn, Tony Donaghey, Bob Potts, Nigel Costley (TUC South West Regional Secretary) prepare to lay wreaths
This year's Tolpuddle Martyrs commemoration was honoured by the presence of two direct descendants of James Hammett placing a wreath on his grave
Tony Benn lays a wreath to commemorate James Hammett's life
Joe O'Flynn, General Secretary of Irish union SIPTU lays a wreath on behalf of his own union and the RMT
'Red Notes', Bristol's Socialist Choir singing 'There is Power in the Union'
Nigel Costley, TUC South West Regional Secretary thanks the choir
Parade of the trade union banners, Tolpuddle village, High St: Torbay & District Trades Council, RMT Wessex & South West Regional Council, RMT South Wales & West Regional Council and RMT Bristol Rail Branch
Keith Murphy and Chris Davidson with RMT South Wales & West Regional Council banner
Chris Davidson and Andy Lister with RMT SW&W Regional Council banner
Greg Hewitt and Gary Hassell of RMT's Brighton and Hove City branch
RMT Bristol Rail branch and friends
Comments
Excellent coverage plus info on postal workers action.
Posted by: julie boston | July 27, 2007 10:20 PM
There were also some of James Hammett's relatives in the background of these photos taken July 2007 Tolpuddle.
Posted by: Sally McMahon | September 18, 2007 01:40 PM
Hi, I was born a Hammett in Ilfracombe and wonder if I could get in touch with any members of the Hammett clan to work out if I am also a descendant of James Hammett
Posted by: Jean Irwin | January 17, 2008 08:48 PM
I'm 14, and live in Cornwall, my parents and their parents are from Winchester way. I remember my father talking about his ancestors and mentioning a Tolpuddle martyr and I think he mentioned something about being a relative of James Hammet's brother, possibly John's relative.
Also, is the festival days the same every year because me and my dad would like to come and join in!
Posted by: Sophie Andrews | February 3, 2008 08:28 PM
I live in Swansea. I understand by my dad that I am related to the Tolpuddle Hammett, my family originate from Barnstaple.
Posted by: PETER HAMMETT | March 14, 2008 06:58 AM
Please feel free to pass on my email address to anyone wanting to see if they are related to the Tolpuddle Hammetts - I have a large database on this tree of mine and other Hammett regional trees!
Sally McMahon
kevinmcmahon688@btinternet.com
Posted by: Sally McMahon | April 30, 2008 02:17 PM
Hi Sally - I tried but could not connect to the e-mail address you have given, so I am hoping you receive this.
I have in front of me a marriage certificate dated 30th October 1906. My great-grandmother was a Ellen Hammett and she was aged 21 at her marriage to my great grandfather Edwin William Lambell. They were from Broadhempston in Devon and are noted to be farmers. Edwin was from Down St. Mary. Ellen's father is down as a Peter Hammett who is also a farmer.
Just wondering if you can trace this line as like others, I have been told I am related to the James Hammett but somewhere along the line was a William Hammett in the family and I have his watch!
I visited the Tolpuddle Martyr Museum on Sunday 25.05.08 and was re-ignited with my search.
Posted by: Lynne Palmer | May 26, 2008 09:53 PM
In response to Lynne Palmers e mail. I believe that your great grandfather may of known my great grandmother/father Emily Wills who married George Cox 1898.
Lived at Christow and the Census in 1901 shows a Edwin W Lamble born South Zeal as being a visitor. Any connection do you think?
I have always been curious as to how they knew each other. Sonia J
Posted by: Sonia Johnson | July 22, 2008 02:20 PM
John Hammett - brother to James the Martyr, didn't marry until some 3.5yrs AFTER the arrest! I have come across this before in written works - but there is no previous marriage for him in parish records - nor does it state this on his actual marriage certificate. I can find no mention of a child for him at the time of the arrest either - his first born was the year after his marriage.
Posted by: Sally McMahon | February 10, 2009 02:10 PM