CROWDS gathered at St James church today as flowers were laid on the grave of Trowbridge Martyr, Thomas Helliker.

Mr Helliker was hanged on his 19th birthday on 22 March 1803. He was an apprentice working in the woollen industry and when Littleton Mill was burned down in protest at the introduction of machinery, and he was apprehended on false accusation.

He is thought to have known those who had set the fire, although he refused to name them.

Today family members, members of the White Horse Trades Union Council, Salisbury and District Trades Union Council and Deputy Mayor David Cavill joined members of the public in honouring him.

Full story in Wiltshire Times.