Thomas Helliker
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Thomas Helliker (sometimes spelled Hilliker) (1784-1803) figures in early trade union history in England. He was accused of waving a pistol at a night-watchman during an anti-machinery mill-burning riot that destroyed the mill owned by a Mr Naish of Trowbridge. The Semington mill's burnings may be described as being part of the Luddite movement. Thomas Helliker was tried in Salisbury despite the fact that many people at the time believed his statements that he was innocent, and tried to get him to name the actual culprit. He didn't, and was found guilty and hanged on his 19th birthday.The actual culprit could well have been his brother who had been in prison for taking an illegal oath (membership of a trade union) The tomb of Thomas Helliker can be seen at the churchyard of St James Church in Trowbridge.
The original inscription of the tomb reads:
Sacred to the memory of Thomas Helliker The thread of whose life was cut in the bloom of youth He exchanged mortality for immortality March 22 1803 in the 19th year of his age.
The fatal catastrophe which led to this unfortunate event is too awful to describe. Suffice it say that he met his death with the greatest fortitude and resignation of mind. Considering his youth he may be said to have but few equals. He died a true penitent. Being very anxious in his last moments that others might take a timely warning and avoid evil company.
This tomb was erected at his earnest request by the cloth making factories of the counties of York Wilts and Somerset as a token of their love to him and veneration of his memory.
A second inscription was added later:
This tomb was formerly placed over the remains of Thomas Helliker
At a time of great disturbance throughout the manufacturing towns of this county. He was condemned for an offence against the law of which he was afterwards believed to be innocent and determined to die rather than give testimony which would have saved his own life, but forfeited the lives of others.
Some of the cloth-workers of this town being so desirous to perpetuate the remembrance of such an heroic act of self sacrifice have restored this memorial in the year of our lord 1876.
