Description:During the 1830s, tensions ran high in the mining industry as colliery owners accused miners of "adminstering illegal oaths" and forming an early trade union.
For this very offence, four Dorset labourers were in fact transported to Australia. Their cause became widely known, and the workers became known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
But although early unions were viewed with alarm by the mine owners, the organisers were usually concerned with discipline and good conduct as well as solidarity.
Rule books like this one were often produced, and the unions' rules are summarised on the following pages.
Note: You can read the text itself at any time by using the "zoom to detail" option that appears below this caption.
About this document
The rules were printed by William Rowley, of the Market Square in Hanley.
This item is now among the collections at Stoke-on-Trent Museums.