The palace and grounds at Sydenham were on Tuesday crowded with many thousands of members of the Church of England Temperance Society, the occasion being a "National Temperance Holiday." It was estimated that over 35,000 persons entered the palace. In the afternoon a large temperance meeting was held in the concert-room, over which Canon Ellison, of Windsor, presided. Canon Fleming and Canon Wilberforce addressed the meeting. The latter protested strongly against the refreshment bars being open that day in the palace for the sale of alcoholic liquor. It was the first time, and he hoped it would be the last, that a temperance meeting had been literally held in a public-house. Mr. Booth, of the "Blue Ribbon Army," and Mr. James Cropper, M.P., also spoke. A concert was given by a choir of 4000 voices
Source: The Illustrated London News, July 8, 1882, p.42