1 August 2025
RMT Press Office:
Maritime union, RMT is backing a major event to mark the 200th anniversary of the North Sands Massacre, when five striking seafarers were shot dead by soldiers during an industrial dispute in Sunderland.
The killings took place on 3 August 1825 during action organised by the Seamen’s Loyal Standard Association (S.L.S.A.), one of the first attempts to form a trade union among British seafarers.
The dispute centred on dangerous and unpaid ballast work being forced on crews returning to port.
After talks collapsed, strikers used their small coble boats to try and stop ships leaving the River Wear.
The next day, a steam packet carrying magistrate John Davidson and armed troops from the 3rd Light Dragoons moved downriver.
When they reached North Sands, where more than 100 people, including women and children had gathered, the troops opened fire.
At least five people were killed and many more injured. No one was ever held to account.
A public procession and memorial event will take place on Sunday 3 August at
St Peter’s Campus, Sunderland University
, with readings, music and a march to the graves of those who died.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “The North Sands Massacre was an early example of brutal suppression against trades unionism and those who work at sea.
"Seafarers came together to protect their rights, their safety and their livelihoods and they were met with deadly force by the state.
"Two hundred years on, we honour their memory, their sacrifice and take heart from their heroic example into our current and future battles as trade unionists on sea and land."
The event is being organised by the North Sands Bicentennial Committee.
Dr David Gordon Scott from The Open University and lead organiser of the North Sands Massacre bicentennial commemorations said: “The North Sands Massacre was an event of enormous national significance in 1825.
"It was reported in newspapers across the country and discussed at the highest political level.
"The people of Sunderland at the time were outraged, believing that innocent people had been murdered by soldiers.
"The sailors' union purposely referred to the event as the “ever to be remembered 3rd August” to indicate the magnitude of what happened on that day in Sunderland.
"The 1825 North Sands Massacre should never have been forgotten, but sadly, over time, it has.
"The people killed, and the other strikers, were fighting for a decent wage and a dignified life.
"Their struggle in 1825 is part of the much longer struggle for worker rights and welfare support that we have today.
"Our gratitude for those who gave their lives as part of this struggle should indeed “ever-be-remembered” at commemorative events.”
END
Notes:
The bicentennial commemorations will take place on Sunday, August 3, exactly 200 years after the events. Anyone wishing to attend can join the North Sands Bicentennial Committee from 2pm at St Peter's Church.
There will be a short procession from the Church (starting at 2.15pm) to the site of the massacre, near the Sunderland University student union building, followed by the laying of a commemorative wreath.
The bicentennial commemorations will take place on Sunday, August 3, exactly 200 years after the events. Anyone wishing to attend can join the North Sands Bicentennial Committee from 2pm at St Peter's Church.
There will be a short procession from the Church (starting at 2.15pm) to the site of the massacre, near the Sunderland University student union building, followed by the laying of a commemorative wreath.
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