The Temperance movement in the UK, first founded in Bradford in 1830, campaigned against the consumption of alcohol and promoted total abstinence. Public houses were often the only places where workers could meet socially and the high levels of alcohol consumption, along with the subsequent drunkenness, were a major problem leading to other presumed social issues such as poverty, child neglect and immorality.
Societies were quickly established throughout the country and, needing to find somewhere to meet away from public houses, Temperance Halls were established. By the end of the 19th Century most towns and many villages had one.
The movement was strongly supported by religious groups, particularly the Nonconformist churches, and were mainly aimed at the working classes.
At Dorset History Centre we hold various documents relating to the Temperance movement in Dorset in a variety of different collections. Along with the usual Minutes, Accounts and Registers of Members, there are a number of documents that show cast light on the Temperance movement views and beliefs.
Below is a set of Rules from the Gillingham Temperance Society whose members on “signing the pledge” had to pay “the sum of One Penny” and
“promise to abstain from the use of all intoxicating Liquors (except in a Religious Ordinance, or under medical prescription;) and to discountenance the causes and practices on Intemperance.”
Members were not only expected to abstain from alcohol but had to contribute in other ways, as shown in the printed manual of the Church of England Temperance Society dated 1873:
Having initially been admitted as probationers, and having abstained from alcohol for three months, probationers could then be admitted, at meetings only, as members. The Church of England manual contains the following short service for admitting new members:
However, as the Pledge Book from Motcombe Primitive Methodist Church shows, although members took the pledge, there were those who left the society as they had “Broke the Pledge”:
Whilst the Gillingham Temperance Society was for “Persons of 16 years and Upwards” (until Viscountess Nancy Astor introduced the Intoxicating Liquor [Sale to Persons under eighteen] Bill in 1923 which, to this day, stopped the sale of alcohol to those under eighteen), children were admitted as members of the Temperance Society. This is seen in these Abstainers Roll Cards from Sturminster Newton [United] Methodist Church which include cards for the Junior section’s, for those under 11 and those aged 11-15.
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Meetings of the Society were well publicised as shown in this Handbill dating from c.1900’s:
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Finally, we hold a ‘Map of Temperance Land’. The poster aims to set people on the right path by depicting Temperance Land. In the centre is Moderation Town, from which you can travel Resolution Road to Temperance or Teetotal Town where you will find ‘Beautiful country covered with gardens and richly cultivated lands’ or you can travel one of four roads to Intemperance Town on the Gulf of Ruin, where crocodiles lurk, where they will find a ‘low and unhealthy land infested with thieves’.
Where would you live?
Following the Second World War the movement fell into decline, although several of the largest temperance organisations still continue today but under different names. Many Temperance Halls built at the time have since been redeveloped although their original use can still be seen as in Portesham where, although now a private house, the plaque ‘Temperance Hall’ can still be seen above door.