There has been an annual festival at Tolpuddle, Dorset, since the 1930s. It has grown over the years and today it sees thousands of trade unionists from all over the world gathering to celebrate the memory of the Tolpuddle Martys.
It was here in 2018, 100 years after women got the vote, that I heard a speech honouring the wives’ of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. The speaker described the joy and terror of childbirth, and how women had to try and cope to stretch out their husbands meagre earnings to feed their families. This speech got me thinking; how women are under represented in the Tolpuddle Martyr history. So I decided to fix that and The Sheltering Tree is the result.
This young adult book is driven by true historical events and characters, and is a story of strength, loyalty and love.
A brief synopsis of the book: It’s Dorset 1834 and life is hard for the villagers of Tolpuddle, as they try to survive on starvation wages and desperate living conditions. Elizabeth Standfield, a 14 year old girl, has her life is turned upside down when six of the villagers are transported to Australia for starting a trade union, including Elizabeth’s father. Also transported is James Brine, a local boy that she secretly hoped that would one day be her husband. Facing starvation and the threat of eviction Elizabeth and her remaining family turn to parish relief but are turned away. Facing adversity Elizabeth must find the strength to support her family and fight for justice. Most importantly, she must not to give up on her dreams for a better future.
Due to be published in July 2020.
Fiona Taylor
