The Legacy of Temperance: Unveiling the Impact on Our High Streets
In the spirit of Dry January, a new book by Historic England delves into the architectural remnants of a bygone social movement. But here's where it gets intriguing: this movement's roots lie in the mills of West Yorkshire, dating back to the 19th century.
Imagine a time when the devastating effects of alcohol were a pressing social issue, and a group of mill owners, led by Henry Forbes, decided to take a stand. The temperance movement, which began in Bradford around 1830, aimed to combat alcohol's grip on society. And it left an indelible mark on the UK's high streets, a mark that we can still see today.
Author Andrew Davison, in his book published by Historic England, reveals that while the concept of temperance originated in America, it found its first foothold in the UK among Yorkshire's mill communities.
"Henry Forbes, a mill owner in Bradford, was in close contact with other mill owners, both locally and in Scotland. They were united in their support for the temperance movement, understanding the impact of hangovers on their workers' productivity," Davison explains.
The movement spread rapidly, gaining traction across the Pennines and the country, particularly in industrialized areas where living conditions were poor. It advocated for moderation, initially allowing small quantities of beer but urging people to avoid stronger spirits and wine. However, it soon evolved, with the creation of the temperance pledge in Preston in 1832, which asked followers to swear off alcohol entirely.
This pledge led to a unique parallel existence for those who followed the movement. Temperance hotels, halls, and institutes sprang up, offering non-drinkers a place to gather, learn, and socialize.
"The temperance movement created a network of pubs without beer, offering soft drinks, tea, coffee, and even cocoa. They served food, which was uncommon in ordinary pubs at the time. It was a movement that arrived at a time when people were becoming increasingly aware of alcohol's harmful effects," Davison says.
And this is the part most people miss: the architectural legacy of this movement. Temperance groups raised funds to build these establishments, many of which still stand today. Take, for example, the Trevelyan Hotel in Leeds, designed by a leading local architect and described as one of the largest and most well-appointed temperance hotels in the country when it opened.
But the impact went beyond hotels. Temperance halls, like the one in Thorne, South Yorkshire, provided spaces for people to meet and discuss, free from the influence of alcohol. And the movement even led to the creation of public water fountains, like the Burton Leonard Fountain in Harrogate, serving as a reminder of the importance of clean drinking water.
In the 1850s, Charles Melly, a Liverpool textile merchant, fought for fountains in the docks, concerned about the dock workers and those waiting to board ships. His efforts, inspired by his religious beliefs and business connections, led to a nationwide movement, with drinking fountains becoming a popular cause for sponsorship.
Fast forward to today, and with 17.5 million people planning a Dry January in 2026, according to Alcohol Change UK, one might wonder if we're on the cusp of another architectural revolution. But Davison believes it's unlikely.
"The temperance movement addressed a social evil that was a recurring theme in British politics during the late 19th century and up to World War I. Dry January, while a health-conscious choice, is a far cry from the social problem that alcohol posed in the 19th century."
So, as we raise a mocktail this Dry January, let's spare a thought for the architectural legacy of temperance and the social movement that shaped our high streets.
