ANYONE who would like to honour one of the martyrs of England’s Industrial Revolution are invited to the annual wreath laying next month to commemorate the death of Thomas Helliker.

Organised by the White Horse (Wiltshire) Trades Union Council , it will take place on Friday, March 22 at 12 noon at Thomas Helliker’s tomb in St James Churchyard, Trowbridge.

Thomas Helliker, (sometimes spelt Hilliker or Elliker) is often referred to as the Trowbridge Martyr. was an apprentice shearman working in the woollen industry when Littleton Mill, near Semington, was burned down in protest at the introduction of machinery.

He was falsely accused, despite having an alibi and protesting his innocence. Although he probably knew who had set the fire he steadfastly refused to name them, and was hung on his 19th birthday .

At his trial in Salisbury he was found guilty and hanged at Fisherton Gaol on his 19th birthday on 22 March 1803 despite public outrage.