RECENT DEBATES SURROUNDING drinking culture echo those of the Victorian and Edwardian eras in that society as a whole, or at least certain sections of that society, are believed to drink far more than is appropriate for personal health and social well-being. ‘Binge drinking’ has become a ‘national disease’ and has come to encapsulate an entire framework of attitudes, behaviours, lifestyle and philosophy common to those who engage in this act of ‘wasteful leisure’. Alcohol has always played a prominent role in British life. Beer during the period 1870–1914 accounted for 60 per cent of all alcoholic drinks consumed with another 30 per cent accounted for by spirits. There were over 100,000 pubs and beer shops selling alcohol in Britain. Alcohol, in one form or another, was the dominant drink of choice. Far from being a golden age of order and sobriety, Edwardian Britain, like contemporary Britain, was seemingly under the duress of a supposed drinking epidemic. In both cases, appropriate notions of conduct were allegedly ripped asunder by the consumption of alcohol.

The temperance movement was a focal point for those who believed in the seditious qualities of alcohol. Since the 1830s, a battle over drink perpetuated throughout Victorian society with the temperance cause gaining increasing support. The Beer Act of 1830, which greatly increased the number of premises selling beer, served as a precursor to increased anti-drink agitation. Temperance arguments served to contextualise the drink problem and temperance advocates were willing messengers of this anti-drink campaign. The temperance movement was influenced by evangelicalism and drunkenness was denounced in line with religious principles. God and drink did not mix well. It was argued that the consumption of drink was inconsistent with the scriptures or with leading a righteous Christian life. In a society in which religion played a far greater role than today the support given to the temperance cause by the major denominations – Nonconformist, Quakers and the Church of England – greatly aided its popularity. To be temperate was seen as analogous to living a godly life. The movement consistently promoted anti-drink propaganda arguing that alcohol was too readily available and fostered irreparable moral and social disintegration.