Tales from the Front (2) explores the life, world, and military service of William Robert Oakley. A former golf caddy, he had joined the 1st Dorsetshire Regiment in time for deployment to the Western Front in August 1914. He fell on the second day of Mons, during which his battalion fought a spirited withdrawal, though one that incurred many casualties.
Tales from the Front (1) recounts the life of Albert James Habgood, a native of Victorian Bournemouth, who served in World War I with the Dorset Regiment. He fell at the Battle of Mons, August 24th, 1914.
Victorian Bournemouth (260) summarises key articles which appeared in the last quarter. It highlighted a range of social history from Waterloo Road to British Indians, and the female condition. Also, it distilled several articles that had assessed the broad sweep of Victorian Bournemouth’s history as it progressed from a stream to a fountain. The last section introduced the next stage in the history of Victorian Bournemouth: Tales from the Front.
Victorian Bournemouth (259) traces how the greenfield Bourne Valley became a County Borough within sixty years. Local leaders and groups guided the community through various challenges, promoting unity beyond religion, politics, and puritanism. The example of the Chrysanthemum Society demonstrated cooperation between classes to create successful events, such as flower shows. Ultimately, the “Fountain” vision prevailed over the “Stream,” although the stream continues through the valley.
Victorian Bournemouth (258) examines how the town built its reputation and developed in ways that resemble marketing strategies used by today’s luxury brands. Both faced challenges about the scope of their marketing efforts. Yet, beyond these marketing concerns, deeper questions about Bournemouth’s underlying social structure emerged.
Victorian Bournemouth (257) analyses Thomas Hankinson’s res gestae speech, delivered at the conclusion of his mayoral tenure. The address summarised the year’s accomplishments with professionalism and clarity. Hankinson emphasised the commercial and social factors underpinning Bournemouth’s growth. As an influential figure in the town’s development, his actions and remarks presented a distinct alternative to prevailing models of privilege and paternalism. Hankinson advocated modernisation, ongoing improvement, and the increasing importance of civic governance.
Victorian Bournemouth (256) describes how the resort went through significant social changes after the mid-1800s. The old Arcadian world—where the gentry received automatic respect from those of lower status—disappeared. Instead, a merit-based town emerged, where successful individuals saw respectability as just as valuable as gentility. Reverend Pretyman’s awkward efforts at social engineering only highlighted the transformations taking place in Bournemouth.
Victorian Bournemouth (255) has followed the life of Elizabeth, who used the census as a medium to communicate her broken marital relationship. Her cris de coeur, embalmed by the census, stood the test of time. The unusual nature of her response raises questions about how people perceived the census and the commonality of her condition.
Victorian Bournemouth (254) charts the successful establishment of Bournemouth’s Public Library through the collaborative efforts of two men having different social backgrounds and political leanings. Despite the opposition stemming from social segregation, the Conservative (Leveson Scarth) remained steadfast in working with the Liberal (Whitting) to create an educational resource that transcended social boundaries. This partnership between the sons of a clergyman and of an innkeeper united a broader team to achieve this transformative goal.
Victorian Bournemouth (253) examines the experiences and professional relationships of six women who served as companions in Bournemouth in 1901. While some women in this role secured long-term positions with their employers, others took the job primarily for financial reasons before getting married. Some companions remained with their employer for many years, earning formal acknowledgement for their dedication and friendship.