unable to secure employment as a miner thereafter, being banned from the coalfield. Thereafter he attempted to sell tea at the mines to make a living, but in this venture he was largely unsuccessful. Destitute, he was eventually re-employed at a colliery, at Felling, on the grounds that he did not get involved in trade union activity. He did not re-engage in any union activity but remained active in radical political circles. During 1838-39 he worked on behalf of the Chartists. He continued to work at Felling until retiring due to ill health in 1859. Death He continued to live in the area until the last few months of his life, when he moved to live with his son-in-law in Newcastle. He died on 9 December 1864, aged 69, after a career spanning 56 years and a retirement of just five years. Buried at Heworth Churchyard, there stands a headstone with a testimony to his trade union activity. Thomas Hepburn Community Academy in Felling is named in his honour. References External links Durham Mining Museum Summary of Local Records for 1832. Wanless Web Trial of Constable George Weddell for the murder of Cuthbert Skipsey. Transcript from Newcastle Courant, 11 Aug 1832. Further study 1795 births 1864 deaths Chartists People from Pelton, County Durham Trade unionists from County Durham British trade union leaders English miners English trade unionists