Geography (2): Bournemouth (1849)

Introduction

Geography (2) contains the entries for Bournemouth and Holdenhurst published by the Post Office directory in 1849.

Geography (2): text

[Bournemouth]

‘Bournemouth, a very pleasant watering place in Poole Bay, in the chapelry of Holdenhurst and in the Union and Hundred of Christchurch; it is 5 miles north-east from Poole, and 4 west-south-west from Christchurch; it was formerly inhabited by a few poor fishermen; it now contains a number of capacious and elegant mansions and villas, two large hotels, a reading room and library, and well appointed baths; it is much frequented by the aristocracy on account of its mild and genial atmosphere, its facilities for bathing, and the beautiful scenery in its neighbourhood. The church, St. Peter’s, is a neat structure in the early English style, erected in 1844. This living is a perpetual curacy, endowed with £50 per annum by Sir G. W. T. Gervis. There is a National School, supported by voluntary donations. The population is about 400.’ (Post Office Directory (Hampshire), 1849, p. 2390).

[Holdenhurst]

‘Holdenhurst, in the Hundred and Union of Christchurch, is distant 3 miles west from Christchurch, and 18 from Poole; it is pleasantly situated on the river Stour. The church is a neat structure, with a rather novel belfry, and was erected in the year 1824. The living is attached to that of Christchurch, and is held by the Rev. W. Burrows, of that town. Here is a National School supported by voluntary contributions. The Independents have a place of worship. Sir George Tapps Gervis is lord of the manor. The population, in141, was about 900.’ (Post Office Directory (Hampshire), 1849, p. 2424).

Geography (2): discussion

These two entries for Bournemouth and Holdenhurst show that the latter still had more than twice the population of the former. The text contains details that will reappear in subsequent directories. It refers to the ‘creation myth’ of a ‘few, poor fishermen’, but this will vanish as the settlement began to change into a town. For references and engagement, please get in touch. Main primary sources: here and here (subscriptions needed).