Marshall Poe

New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery

Marshall Poe

  • Kris Butler, "Drink Maps in Victorian Britain" (Bodleian Library, 2024)

Kris Butler, "Drink Maps in Victorian Britain" (Bodleian Library, 2024)

Sunday 31st March 2024

Explore how Victorian Britain used 'drink maps' to combat alcohol consumption with Kris Butler's fascinating insights.
28 minutes
Informative
Educational
Engaging
Eye-opening
Supportive

About this podcast

New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery
Author:
Marshall Poe
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Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
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Family Recovery from Addiction
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Drink Maps: Victorian Britain's Battle Against Booze

Episode Overview

  • Drink maps were used to discourage alcohol consumption by highlighting sale locations.
  • Maps were displayed publicly and submitted to Parliament as evidence.
  • Temperance organisations aimed to reduce liquor licenses through these maps.
  • Kris Butler transitioned from law to researching and writing about historical maps.
  • The United Kingdom Alliance played a key role in promoting temperance using these maps.
They meant for the maps to discourage people from drinking
Ever wondered what a 'drink map' really is? Kris Butler's book, *Drink Maps in Victorian Britain*, dives into the fascinating world of these unique maps from the late 19th century. In this episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher chats with Kris about how these maps were used to combat rampant alcohol consumption in cities like Liverpool, Manchester, and London.
Far from being simple pub guides, these maps were designed to shock and shame people into drinking less by highlighting the locations where alcohol was sold with red symbols. They were prominently displayed in public places and even submitted as evidence to Members of Parliament. Kris shares his journey from a lawyer with a passion for maps to a published author, recounting his discovery of these historical artifacts and the impact they had on temperance movements across Britain.
He also delves into the strategies used by temperance organisations, such as the United Kingdom Alliance, to pressure local magistrates into reducing the number of liquor licenses granted. This episode is a treasure trove of historical anecdotes and insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the social history of alcohol consumption. So, if you're curious about how Victorian Britain tackled its drinking problem or just love a good historical tale, this episode is for you!