THE annual wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Thomas Helliker took place on Wednesday.
Trowbridge martyr Thomas Heliker was hanged on March 22, 1803 on his 19th birthday.
He was a young apprentice working in the woollen industry and when Littleton Mill was burned down in protest at the introduction of machinery, he was falsely accused.
Widely believed to be innocent, although he probably knew those who had set the fire, he refused to name them.
Secretary of the White Horse Trades Union Council, Rosie MacGregor, who organised the event, said: “It’s important to remember people who were prepared to make a stand.
“He was killed when he was only 19 which is absolutely tragic.
“It’s thought that he knew who burned down the mill but he refused to tell on them, so he died with his dignity in tact.”
The ceremony took place at 12pm at Mr Helliker’s tomb in St James Churchyard, Trowbridge.
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