Alan Clarke used his past studies to provide a compelling insight into this largely forgotten movement. It started in the 1830s although there were  concerns in the previous century. Famous paintings by Hogarth, Gin Lane and Beer Street depicted the era where beer was perhaps thought less of a problem.

Initially you did not have to be completely abstinent but could chose moderation. Various acts exacerbated the volumes consumed. Firstly, reduced duty in the 1820s was introduced on order to reduce smuggling and secondly in 1830 the Beer Act allowed licenses to be purchased for 3 guineas directly from the government.

Numerous institutions were created and met regularly. Ironically this may well have been above a pub although the first Temperance Hall can still be found in Broad Street (albeit the plaque relates to tailors which was its former use). A number of these halls were eventually specifically built. The Bristol Band of Hope Union was created for the young.

Temperance Hotels came to the fore to replace the pub. Strategically found in the locality of Temple Meads and Victoria Street. The Temperance Pub existed serving non alcoholic drinks such as Fry’s cocoa. A number of cocoa and coffee taverns also sprung up but mainly in the less affluent areas of Bristol. Even some of the city fountains had Temperance involvement. Various publications were readily available to the public.

Attendees at the temperance meetings were required to sign a pledge of abstinence. Entertainment was added to the meetings from the 1880s to encourage attendance.

Although Bristol was important to the movement it was probably more prevalent to the big cities of the North. Temperance came later to Kingswood in 1865, meeting at Zion Chapel. Demonstrations or parades through Kingswood started in 1883 and carried right though to the 1980s.

Probably from WW1 the numbers started to dwindle albeit the movement had by this time had a significant influence on society.

Alan finished with a startling stat from a quick census of 8/1/1882. It was a Saturday and approx 50% of the Bristol population had been in a pub that day !

Next meeting at the Park Centre, Kingswood is Tuesday 7^th May, 7pm for 7.30 pm start.

Presentation by David Hardwick on Harry Stoke Colliery (please refer to website for any late change).

Visitors £4 incl tea/coffee and biscuit.

Full schedule of presentations for 2024 can be found at www.kingswoodhistorysociety.