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Geography (3): Bournemouth (1851)
Introduction
Geography (3) consists of Bournemouth’s entry in Hunt and Co’s Directory (Hampshire and Wiltshire) for 1851.
Geography (3): text
Main entry
Bournemouth (Hants), a favourite watering place in Poole bay, much resorted to both in summer and winter by wealthy visitors and families of distinction, is most eligibly situated for sea-bathing on account of the smoothness of its fine firm gently-shelving shore, and the strength and purity of the salt water at this part of the Hampshire coast. The air is soft and salubrious, and the country about teems with the picturesque and beautiful. Several ornate villas and elegant mansions grace the village, in which are also two respectable hotels, a reading-room with library attached, and commodious well-conducted baths; it is distant from Christchurch 5 miles (WSW) and from Poole 5 (NE).
Details
The church (St Peter’s) erected in 1841, is in the early style of English architecture; its appearance is neat and its accommodation ample; living a perpetual curacy, endowed by Sir G. W. T. Gervis with £50 per annum. A National School provides education for poor children, and is supported by voluntary subscriptions; the population is about 450. (Hunt and Co’s Directory, Hampshire and Wiltshire, 1855, p 31)
Geography (3): discussion
The text refers to the resort still as a village. It stresses the social positioning of the settlement: ‘wealthy visitors and families of distinction’. Bournemouth’s early reputation as a healthy site receives attention. Charitable activity already plays a role in the local culture, the National School benefitting from affluent donors. The Bath and Belle Vue feature as the two hotels. The ‘ornate villas and elegant mansions’ refer to Westover Villas, perhaps, Richmond Terrace (by now coming into completion); they may also include some of the buildings comprising Bourne Tregonwell, west of the stream. Go here for a review of the town at this time. For discussion and engagement, go here. Early picture from Alwyn Ladell’s collection here.