Poole Harbour
Poole is one of the oldest settlements in Dorset, as well as being one of the largest. It has the second largest natural harbour in the world, with more than 100 miles of shoreline, most of it undeveloped. The tides funnel through a gap no more than 200m wide, and this, coupled with the vast amount of water in the harbour, creates the unique conditions whereby Poole enjoys more than 14 hours of high water each day.
The harbour is sheltered from all directions and much of it is very shallow so its safe waters offer a host of water sports including windsurfing and sailing.
The harbour entrance is bordered to the east by the Sandbanks peninsula, a superb stretch of immaculate beach (boasting no less than 13 European Blue Flag awards) which extends for several miles, merging into Bournemouth beyond Branksome Chine.
Poole developed as a port as Wareham declined due to silting in its river. As ships became larger and the wool trade developed, Poole’s harbour became much more suitable. Thus, from the 13th century, Poole became a port and fishing town. In 1406 Poole was raided by the French in retaliation for the exploits of the local privateer or pirate (depending on your nationality!) Henry Page. Despite this setback, by 1433 Poole had exceeded Weymouth in size to become the largest Port in Dorset.
As the Wool trade diminished so did Poole’s importance, although this was later to be re- established with the Newfoundland Trade. A three-cornered route whereby ships went out to Newfoundland loaded with salt and provisions, brought salt fish back to the Mediterranean countries and finally came home with wine, olive oil and dried fruits.
From the beginning of the 17th century Poole was one of the main ports of this trade until its decline in the early 19th century. The port was once again saved when the 1890’s the growth of Bournemouth as a resort stimulated coastal trade at Poole with the import of building materials for the new town.
Today, Poole’s bustling quayside has lots to offer, with visiting vessels, attractions and places to eat all within easy walking distance. Home to the world-famous Poole Pottery, you can see craftspeople at work and have a go at creating your own masterpiece before snapping up a few bargains in the shop.
The harbour is enormous and by hiring a boat, it is possible to explore the many inlets, beaches and islands, including Brownsea Island. Owned by the National Trust, Brownsea is home to the red squirrel and the site of Baden-Powell’s original Scout Camp.
If you would prefer a guided trip, Blue Line Cruises, Solent Scene, is the largest passenger
vessel to operate from the quay. Onboard there is plenty of room inside and out to enjoy a memorable cruise on one of its regular sailings throughout the summer. Stunning views of the harbour, Brownsea Island, Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks make this leisurely activity one not to be missed.
Heavily bombed during the war, most of the Georgian part of the town survived unspoilt and virtually unknown just behind the Quay. This really is worth exploring as there are many 18th century and early 19th century houses, including delightful old inns like The Angel, and The Old Customs House, rebuilt in 1813 after a previous building had been burnt down.
At the western end of the quay, Poole’s oldest and most haunted pub ‘The King Charles’ can be found in Thames Street, opposite the Maritime Museum. With history stretching back to the 13th century, the older brick section of the pub was part of the ‘Old Town Cellar’ in 1462. The adjacent 16th century Tudor style building, which forms the main part of the pub today, was formerly a house. It was converted to an Inn in 1770 and was originally named ‘The New Inn’.
Fine examples of Tudor woodwork exist here, along with more than its fair share of recorded supernatural experiences. Even today, the staff at the King Charles have their own strange experiences to relate.
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The Tourist Handbook Wessex 2011
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