Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum image

Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum

Bar Tourist attraction Museum Gift shop Public bathroom

One of the Best Places To Visits in Tolpuddle


Address

Dorchester Rd, Tolpuddle, Dorchester DT2 7EH, United Kingdom

Website

tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk

Contact

+44 1305 848237

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (418 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: (Christmas Eve), 10 am to 4 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Christmas Day), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: history (13) museum (11) small (7) free (6) workers (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Dominic L. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting museum and one that is informative of a subject which often isn't given much consideration. Not huge so don't plan a day - allow about 30 minutes. Runs on donations so do bring cash.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John P. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited the annual TUC Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival (not the museum, this time - although that's good too). It was great, and I'd recommend booking in advance if you want to camp there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Colin L. 6 months ago on Google
    Disconcertingly relevant story about attempt to organise labour. It doesn't show the judicial system in a good light
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 mark c. 11 months ago on Google
    A very important chapter in working class history, socialism and the trade union movement. Striking sculpture outside and entry is free, though I'd advise a donation. The reason? These stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things are in danger of being lost as the funding is just not there. This is sadly evident in the rather basic displays telling the story, but I would add they're still very effective. Surprised that there wasn't more materials on display but I appreciate space is probably an issue. Covid has left it's mark too with the interactive features presently unavailable (though given they're narrated by turncoat scab "Sir" Tony Robinson I consider this no great loss). Visitor gift shop has a fair few things to offer from badges and pencils, t shirts, postcards and mugs. I'd recommend bigger water bottles for sale. I need a new one and would have purchased if they'd hold more than just a few swigs. In conclusion, this is worth checking out, as is a stroll around the beautiful village to soak up the ambience and see the areas of historical interest. Please support. These are our stories.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David p. 7 months ago on Google
    An interesting museum and free. Only a relatively small exhibit, but worth a visit. You can also download an audio tour of the village. Be aware that the museum hasn't parking of its own. I parked in a layby directly opposite
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Daniel B. 1 year ago on Google
    Interactive displays disabled due to “covid”. It’s November 2022 - stop the excuses. Pandemic is over. However it’s free and an interesting part of history.

  • 3/5 Are D. 7 months ago on Google
    Would love to have given it more stars, but seemed a bit run down. Given its importance in our history, it is a shame that none of its stakeholders could find the money to spruce it up. An important history lesson, nevertheless. Sadly no apparent means of donating in these cashless days

  • 1/5 Alan G. 8 months ago on Google
    Very disappointing. Run down, neglected. Disgraceful for the TUC to dishonour the Tolpuddle Martyrs in this way. We were expecting so much more as our visit was on a Saturday during school holidays. But there was no one in attendance, the shop was closed - a notice said "closed due to a meeting inside" but we could see through the window that there was no one there. The 'displays' were (a) long posters on the walls, so old they were curling at the sides and (b) glass cabinets with documents inside, but the attached notes were largely illegible. It was interesting to read the history but I could've googled that. And outside at the front a big ripped poster. All in all a waste of time. The only consolation...it was free to enter.

  • 5/5 Gravy D. 6 months ago on Google
    Very small but informative. A place of worldwide historical importance.

  • 5/5 Cornfields D. 7 months ago on Google
    The museum offers a fascinating history of the first attempt in England by six agricultural labourers to get a better living wage from their employer. They were rewarded with prison and transportation to Australia. Well worth a visit. Street parking in the village.

  • 5/5 Caroline S. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting facts about the martyrs, and the start of the union movement. One martyr's family name was 'Loveless'.

  • 2/5 Nick N. 1 year ago on Google
    Difficult to rate the museum as it was closed. The low rating is simply because it was a Thursday and, according to the website, it should have been open. Very disappointing that we had a wasted journey. Hopefully will get the chance to go again and see inside

  • 5/5 Fiona W. 1 year ago on Google
    There was so much detail about the history of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. It was interesting to know how little they were paid compared with essential living costs, what happened to them in Tasmania and what they did on their return.

  • 4/5 Andrew H. 1 year ago on Google
    A small but powerful display telling the history of the appalling treatment of farm workers which led to the foundation of the Trade Union Movement. Well presented. For some reason the shop was shut on the day we visited. Worth the short time it takes.

  • 4/5 Teresa M. 1 year ago on Google
    This small museum is highly significant in history, a time when workers stood together for fair recognition of their right to a living, standing against exploitation. They suffered injustice at the hands of wealthy landowners. It was good to see preparations in hand for the festival this weekend. I hope the Labour party will support this event too as workers continue to struggle to feed and care for their families even today.

  • 5/5 gg p. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. Great weekend recommend. Well organised friendly all round. Great singers and bands. Will definitely go again and join the March again. Proud to have matched with railway workers, nurses, postal workers, Unite, GMB, T&G and all the other brothers and sisters.

  • 4/5 Patrick C. 1 year ago on Google
    We arrived around 16.30 (closes at 17.00). I expected it to be symbolic rather than hugh and flashy, which was the case. The museum itself is centred in 1 room. A lot of reading is involved so if you want big displays this isn't that. That had some interactive displays that were turned off due to covid. It takes you on a journey around the room from the left. By the end you will understand who they were and their significance in history, which is the point. The building from the outside is large, but it tells you about each section that is named after each of them. It was as I expected it to be. If you are in the area and are interested in history and the labour movement you need to visit. Most of the past labour leaders gave from some photos on display. Downside for us the shop was closed even though it shouldn't have been. There was nobody about. The entry is free but there was a donation box. There is no parking on site, but a layby opposite with room for 4 cars or so.

  • 5/5 Patrick H. 1 year ago on Google
    A small and free museum clearly explaining the history of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. These were a small group of agricultural workers who formed a union to get better wages. They were found guilty on trumped-up charges and transported to Australia. Pardoned two years later they returned to England.

  • 5/5 b w. 1 year ago on Google
    To learn about the treatment of these brave men is humbling. It's a very small museum but so much information there. It's never been more relevant to pay it a visit, given the current political climate. Working people continue to be oppressed. Unfortunately, the shop was closed when we visited so ordered a T-shirt online. Free entry but we were able to make a donation inside.

  • 3/5 Steve E. 2 years ago on Google
    Probably only of interest to certain people. A salient point of our history is explained in some detail but there's not a lot there really. Definitely not a museum to take the kids.


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