“This diabolical sin of drunkenness”

Description

Hampshire and the Temperance Movement

by John K. Lander

The Temperance movement that sought to persuade drinkers of alcohol to reduce consumption, or give it up altogether, was a particularly significant force throughout the United Kingdom in the second half of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th. In Hampshire two strands were quickly apparent; some advocated moderation of drinking habits while others campaigned for total abstinence, often referred to as “teetotalism”. County advocates of both views were often in conflict with each other, and with brewers and public house licensees who wanted no restrictions. Local and national temperance groups established societies in Hampshire, some providing sickness and death benefits. They flourished until about the second quarter of the 20th century when decline began, which accelerated until the movement had largely died out by 1970. 

“This diabolical sin of drunkenness” charts the history of temperance in Hampshire, the involvement of national and local leaders, the huge commitment of large numbers of volunteers, and spells out the successes, frustrations, and the disagreements that sometimes resulted in court appearances and, in a few cases, prison sentences.