Research Forum

Weston-super-Mare Temperance Hall. 1859
published by jenniem on Sat, 25/12/2021 - 23:02

Hello. I am seeking information on the WSM Temperance Hall.

In 1859, my 3 x gr grandfather George SUMMERS once gave a lecture on emigration to Australia, the gold rush and Australian aboriginals in this hall. I would love to know its 1859 location and if it is still standing today. Thanks for any help.

Comments ..

Submitted by Pat Hase on Sun, 26/12/2021 - 15:07

As far as I know, from advertisements in the local papers - there was a Temperance Hall as part of the Assembly Rooms and also there was one in York Street. The Assembly Rooms were in the High Street on the corner of West Street. Can anyone give a more definite answer?

Submitted by MDianeRogers on Tue, 28/12/2021 - 17:10

A meeting about the erection of the Weston-super-Mare Pier was held on the 21st January 1846 in the Temperance Hall, Weston-super-Mare. Still no mention of where the Hall was but perhaps someone knows more about that meeting. February 14, 1846 - Weston-super-Mare Gazette, and General Advertiser - Weston-super-Mare, p.1.

In Nov 1889, there is a mention that the "old Temperance Hall" in Weston-super-Mare was sold to a local wine merchant. November 23, 1889 - Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard - Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England, p. 3. From later references, the York St. Hall was the newer one.

Submitted by MDianeRogers on Tue, 28/12/2021 - 17:20

No, my guess was wrong.

An 1847 reference mentions the WSM Society had their meeting "at their Hall in York Place on Tues the 4th ult." Weston-super-Mare Gazette, and General Advertiser May 15, 1847, p.2.

Submitted by John H on Tue, 28/12/2021 - 23:33

Our on line meeting Oct 2021 on the Temperance Society mentioned the sale of a Temperance Hall in York Street

which sounds like it would fit the year in question

Submitted by jenniem on Wed, 29/12/2021 - 9:34

Hello John, Is this online meeting from Oct 2021 about the Temperance Society available to view somewhere on this site?

Submitted by Pat Hase on Wed, 29/12/2021 - 15:41

Full members can see all the videos on the site. When you have logged in, under your name on the left hand side of the home page you will find "My details" and "Videos".

For those of you who are unsure of the location of York Street - it runs between Regent Street and Richmond Street

Submitted by jenniem on Wed, 29/12/2021 - 7:12

Thank you to all the helpful responses. York Street seems to be the location of the Temperance Hall at the time of George’s lecture here, on or about Monday 3rd Oct 1859.

According to the ‘Bridgwater Mercury’ from a few weeks later, he may have given another lecture on the ‘Goldfields of Australia’ at the Town Hall, so he was rather busy while on his return visit ‘home’ to Weston-super-Mare.

These newspaper reports give a wonderful insight to his character. The knowledge of him speaking at a Temperance Hall is fascinating as George SUMMERS, prior to this time has been portrayed (perhaps incorrectly) as a drunk who was ‘easily induced to enter a public house.’ He was obviously a reformed character by 1859 to be lecturing at the Temperance Hall.

I have attached a screenshot of the newspaper article from WSM Gazette Oct 8, 1859 for anyone who might be interested. (I hope this is permissible?)