The Chartists were a working class movement for political reform which existed in Britain during the period 1838 to 1857. They were named after the People's Charter, published in 1838 and had strong support in many working class areas, including Staffordshire. The publication of the charter led to uprising, riots and an eventual crackdown by the Government. Many Chartists were arrested and transported to the colonies. Staffordshire born Gladys has researched some of the Staffordshire Chartists and their transportation to Van Dieman's land, modern day Tasmania.