Archive Collection

Title: Illustrated Memorial Scroll
Description: An illustrated memorial scroll given to Petty Officer Joseph Henry Withecombe for his service with the Naval Brigade of HMS Powerful during the Boer War from 1899 to 1900. It was presented by Agnes Weston. Agnes Weston (1840-1918) was involved in the temperance movement. She initially opened a coffee bar for the soldiers of the 2nd Somerset Militia brigade, but later became involved in the welfare of sailors. Agnes joined the Royal Naval Temperance Society. She was allowed to visit sailors on warships and talk to the crew to promote temperance. It was later suggested that Agnes open a temperance house at Devonport and funds were raised to open a hostel for sailors. It was opened in May 1876 as the first ‘Sailor's Rest’ and offered a place to eat and drink, as well as accommodation. The hostel was intended to help promote the temperance movement, although all sailors were welcome to use the facilities. Lectures were arranged as well as religious services. Sailors could also sign a ‘pledge’ to refrain from drinking alcohol. The success of the Devonport Sailor's Rest led to a similar project being opened in Portsmouth in 1881. This provided baths, lodgings and recreational activities and facilities. Nine hundred men could be housed at Devonport and 700 at Portsmouth. Their success resulted in several local pubs closing due to lack of custom. Agnes also printed a monthly letter for distribution onboard naval ship. She published a journal entitled ‘Ashore and Afloat’ to encourage Christian beliefs, behaviour and temperance amongst sailors. The Sailor's Rests continued to operate up until the turn of the twenty first century, when a fall in custom led to them closing.
Creator: Royal Naval Museum
Accession Number: 1989/252.13