The History of Temperance Hall
Building work for the Temperance Hall began on the site of the old Dolphin Inn.
1888
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
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
An attempt to convert it into a nightclub is met with strong local opposition.
1990s
Sold to local builder, Gary Morrissey, who ran it again as a bingo hall and venue for weddings and functions.
1999
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