Tag Archives: temperance

International Women’s Day – I’d nominate Lady Henry Somerset as a forgotten heroine of social reform

As we celebrate the achievements of women around the world, on International Women’s Day, we should not forget the pioneers of women’s rights in Victorian times. We all remember the suffragettes but there were thousands more women who actively campaigned … Continue reading

Posted in A Talent for Humanity, Feminism, Lady Henry, Lady Henry Somerset, Temperance, Victorian Do-Gooders, World Woman's Christian Temperance Union | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How the British Women’s Temperance Association was founded – encouraged by a visiting American, Eliza Stewart

Eliza Stewart, or “Mother Stewart” as she liked to be known, was another lady with a talent for humanity. She had worked tirelessly during the American Civil War as a nurse, setting up hospitals and ensuring adequate supplies of food, … Continue reading

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FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LADY HENRY SOMERSET AND FRANCES WILLARD, FRIENDS ACROSS THE OCEAN

One of the most rewarding aspects of researching the life and work of Lady Henry Somerset has been making contact with academics and researchers on the other side of the world. This summer it has been my great pleasure to … Continue reading

Posted in Duxhurst, Feminism, Lady Henry, Lady Henry Somerset, Reigate Local History, Reigate Priory, Temperance, Victorian Do-Gooders, World Woman's Christian Temperance Union | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t blame people for drinking when alcohol is cheaper than food

The government’s recent announcement that it will impose minimum prices for beer, wine and spirits is just a small step towards reducing our culture of binge drinking. It probably won’t, of itself, make a huge difference to people’s habits but … Continue reading

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The Mighty Rivers of Intemperance and Improvidence

On New Year’s Day 1889, in Hereford, Lady Henry Somerset was the first woman to be initiated into the Independent Order of the Rechabites. We have long since lost sight of the Rechabites but in the late 19th century, they … Continue reading

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Meet the pragmatic temperance leader

Lady Henry Somerset’s tenure as President of the British Women’s Temperance Association and Vice-President/President of the World Woman’s Christian temperance Union was frequently mired in controversy. One of the main reasons for this was that she was a pragmatist. She … Continue reading

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Don’t mock the Victorian Do-Gooders

I’m very much enjoying Ian Hislop’s “Age of the Do-Gooders” on BBC2. You sense Ian is always wanting to mock, but instead is finding himself deeply impressed by the courage and committment of his subjects. Next week he’ll be talking … Continue reading

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Temperance doesn’t mean abstinence

The temperance movement was at its height in Britain in the late 19th century. With towns awash with alcohol-induced squalor, many strong-minded women realised that curbs were needed on the liquor trade. Some, as in America, advocated prohibition. Others, like … Continue reading

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