A MOVING memorial service and wreath laying ceremony was held at St James Churchyard on Sunday (March 22) to mark the anniversary of the death of Trowbridge Martyr Thomas Helliker.

The annual ceremony, which was organised by White Horse Trades Union Council, took place at Thomas Helliker’s tomb at the church in Church Street, Trowbridge.

Helliker, who was a young apprentice working in the woollen industry, was hanged on his 19th birthday on 22 March, 1803, after Littleton Mill, near Semington, was burned down in protest at the introduction of machinery.

He was apprehended on false accusation, but refused to clear his name because it would incriminate the true culprits. The wreath laid in his memory included wild violet, rosemary and willow twigs.

Rosie MacGregor, secretary of White Horse TUC, said: “We were delighted to have so many people turn up and it all went really well. We had way more people than we were expecting and there were some moving speeches.

“It is something we like to do annually to celebrate the short life of Thomas and it was a lovely ceremony. The story is terribly sad, but I think it has also inspired many people over the years to stand up for what they believe in.

“He is a very important figure in the town’s history, especially as he is associated with the woollen trade. Trowbridge wouldn’t be the town it is without the woollen trade.”

Among those who attended the ceremony was Dave Chapple, secretary of Bridgewater Trades Union Council, Trowbridge Councillor Jeff Osborn and St James rector Rob Thomas.