BWTA Tea set

Alcohol played a prominent role in Scottish life in the 19th century and there was a lot of alcoholism in many areas. When the duty on spirits was reduced in 1822 the quantity consumed increased even more.   In order to combat this, the British Women's Temperance Association was formed in England in 1876, and hoped to spread the message of total abstinence and the word of the gospel. In 1878, the Edinburgh branch of the BWTA was established, and a year later Edinburgh became the Scottish headquarters of the movement. The initials SCU (Scottish Christian Union) were added to the title of the Association.   This tea set is inscribed 'BWTA' and consists of cups, saucers, sugar bowls and a milk jug. It was manufactured by the Bridge Street Pottery Company in Burslem.