- Minutes, 1846-1921;
- Agents' appointments, 1920-1923;
- Press cuttings, 1893-1922;
- Printed material, 1860-1940;
- Manuscript material, c1890-1903;
- Photographic material, c1918-1950s.
Records of the Scottish Temperance League, temperance organisation, Glasgow, Scotland
- Reference
- GB 248 DC 019/1
- Dates of Creation
- 1846-1950s
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English
- Physical Description
- 0.70 linear metres
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
The Scottish Temperance League was founded in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1844. The League believed in using the power of temperance propaganda and education to change the attitude of the electorate rather than legislative prohibition.
The League occupied offices first at 108 Hope Street, Glasgow, and later at 226 West George Street, Glasgow. It was governed by an executive committee, with sub-committees on finance, advocacy and publicity, and youth. The League produced a large number of educational tracts, pamphlets and other printed material. Its official organ, advocating prohibition, was the "League Journal" newspaper, established in 1857.
The League was affiliated to the London-based National Temperance Federation. Though politically neutral, it did support suitable political candidates when appropriate and petitioned Parliament to support relevant Bills. It maintained contact with the various temperance organisations of Scotland, which worked together to promote the 1920 district veto polls on prohibition under the Temperance (Scotland) Act of 1913.
In 1922, the League amalgamated with the Scottish Permissive Bill & Temperance Association to form the Scottish Temperance & No Licence Union, retaining the offices of the Scottish Temperance League. By 1924, this organisation had changed its name again to the Scottish Temperance Alliance.
Elspeth King, " Scotland Sober and Free: The Temperance Movement 1829-1979 ", (Glasgow, 1979).
Arrangement
The material is arranged into series as shown in the scope and content. Within series items are generally arranged chronologically.
Access Information
Access to records within this collection is open, however an appointment may be required. Please email Archives and Special Collections for advice: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk
Acquisition Information
Deposit : Scottish Temperance Alliance : 1975
Other Finding Aids
See also University of Glasgow Collections
Digital file level list available in searchroom
Manual file level list available at the National Registers of Archives in Edinburgh (NRA(S) 2804) and London (NRA 30487)
Alternative Form Available
No known copies
Conditions Governing Use
Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents. Applications for permission to quote should be sent to Archives and Special Collections, please email: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk
Appraisal Information
This material has been appraised in line with standard GB 248 procedures
Custodial History
Held by the Scottish Temperance Alliance prior to deposit with University of Glasgow Archive Services. Previously catalogued as part of the Scottish Temperance Alliance Archive (GB 248 DC19), the collection was re-catalogued in March 2003.
Accruals
None expected
Location of Originals
This material is original