Black-and-white photo of the Temperance Hall building as it was being built, showing brick and stone work, and Victorian builders working at height.

The History of Temperance Hall

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Building work for the Temperance Hall began on the site of the old Dolphin Inn.

1888

Black-and-white photo of the Temperance Hall building as it was being built, showing brick and stone work, and Victorian builders working at height.

The Temperance Hall opened, accommodating up to 600 people in the main hall with an ornate semi-circular balcony, it also housed committee rooms, a tearoom and a smaller hall. Entertainments and talks were organised to encourage abstinence from drinking alcohol.

1889

The Haverfordwest Men’s Institute opened. It aimed to cater for the educational, intellectual, recreational and social needs of the young men of the town.

1905

Black-and-white photograph of the historic building facade of Temperance Hall, with arched windows, and signs reading “Cinama-de-Luxe” and “Orphans of the Storm”.

A gymnasium was opened, offering a class for young women on one evening in the week.

During its first 12 years it was also used as a meeting place by the County Council.

1907

The Hall operated as a cinema for a number of years.

1920 - 1935

During the war the building served as a canteen and billet for Dutch soldiers.

After the war it was used for various purposes: tax office, furniture store and secondhand shop.

1939

The Temperance Society sold the hall and it was converted into a successful bingo hall until 1987.

1969

1994 Western Telegraph newspaper article about a nightclub license granted despite objections, featuring the former Temperance Hall.

An attempt to convert it into a nightclub is met with strong local opposition.

1990s

1999 newspaper article about renovating Haverfordwest's Old Temperance Hall into a bingo hall, with a photo showing the building's ornate balcony.

Sold to local builder, Gary Morrissey, who ran it again as a bingo hall and venue for weddings and functions.

1999

Brass band musicians performing inside the Temperance Hall with trombones, saxophones, music stands, and audio equipment.

The Hall was bought and used by the local Freemasons Lodge.

2004

The building was owned by three successive owners but remained unoccupied and unused.

2009

Temperance Hall was purchased by Haverfordwest Heritage.

2024