The latest Historic England / Liverpool University Press publication considers the ‘Built Heritage of the Temperance Movement’. English Temperance societies were established from the 1830s, especially in the new industrial centres of the era, and became one of the most influential social movements of the 19th century. Over the next century, millions ‘signed the pledge,’ committing to a life of abstinence, helping those affected by drink, and advocating for alcohol restrictions, even prohibition.
This fascinating book examines the built heritage associated with the movement including temperance halls and institutes, missions, coffee taverns, reading rooms, billiard halls and hotels. It complements the earlier volume ‘Licensed to Sell: The History and Heritage of the Public House’, also authored by Andrew Davison. Further information on the Temperance Movement can be found in this accompanying Historic England blog – https://heritagecalling.com/2026/01/08/temperance-buildings-the-way-out-of-darkest-england/
Details on how to order the book can be found here: – https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/built-heritage-temperance-movement/.
Industrial Heritage Networks 