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PoS (2): access through the timeline

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Period by period

Introduction

PoS (2) presents a way to access the ‘Paradise-on-Sea’ articles through a timeline containing five periods.

PoS (2): Period 1: 1837-1856: foundation

Although the modern occupation of the site began early in the nineteenth century, the directed, commercial foundation started in 1837. In the 1830s, the Meyricks saw a commercial opportunity to transform a valueless heath into a thriving business. The site’s gentle climate, soothing sea breezes, and long beach became its chief attractions. Building with little governance created a hamlet full of menace lurking in its inadequate drainage. Pressure from residential physicians led to the creation of an Improvement Commission. Its charter required it to take retrospective action to improve the settlement’s hygiene. It also took proactive steps to improve the tourist attractions, for example, a pier. Promoters ran a continuous, noisy marketing campaign to position Bournemouth as a fashionable spa suitable for the gentry. During this period, the town’s internal economy grew. It supplied basic foodstuffs and some services to visitors and the few residents. Cultural life and religious worship blossomed.

Browse these three articles to sample this period:

PoS (2): Period 2: 1857-1871: growth

The Improvement Commission, comprising gentry and builders, at first functioned as a reactive local agency. Over time, however, the Commissioners became proactive. Despite their brief to improve the drainage, the Commissioners suffered an unpleasant episode when local physicians caused an embarrassing public row about the sewers. The Commissioners, many from humble origins, warded off this affluent bullying.

Important developments occurred in the town’s cultural life. Cricket flourished. The locals established Bournemouth’s volunteer militia, not without resistance from Lord Malmesbury. Both activities involved a softening of class barriers. Studies of visitor profiles and apparent alterations in building design suggest changes in the social demographics of tourists. Clouds of clergymen, religious tourists, took a pilgrimage to experience Bournemouth’s High Church ritual. Private schools appeared. Some catered for the families of those serving in India, thereby extending the town’s reputation across the empire.

Browse these three articles to sample this period:

PoS (2): Period 3: 1872-1881: empire

Continuing concern about the adequacy of the drainage system for the town’s constant growth directed the Commissioners’ attention to the eastern suburbs, although lying beyond their control. Built by and for labouring people, Springbourne and Boscombe lay over a path whereby Bournemouth’s effluent could reach the sea. The Commission made efforts to gain local involvement, but swept resistance aside and brought the area under its control. Construction continued. Oxford Road, lying between gentility and labourers, grew into a stable community of actual or aspiring middling people. Several examples of mob violence exposed a raw, brutal underworld beneath the town’s tourist glitz. A sophisticated long firm, gangsters, used Bournemouth as part of their operational network. Conmen (and women) marked the town on their map. The new railway eased local travel for both the genteel and labourers. A case of the missing £5 note illustrated how servants could sue their employers.

Browse these three articles to sample this period:

PoS (2): Period 4: 1882-1891: borough

Throughout this decade, intense debates shaped the town’s sense of identity and future direction. Wealthy traditionalists wanted Bournemouth to remain an exclusive, idyllic retreat for the affluent, resisting modernisation and urban expansion. Yet, many residents—largely those from modest backgrounds who had risen in social standing—supported progressive changes and sought new opportunities. Their ambitions reflected the town’s desire ever to look toward the next horizon.

Even though opposition from conservative factions caused setbacks, Bournemouth did gain borough status before the decade ended. The Improvement Commission became redundant; however, several former members extended their political lives by winning election to the new council. Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s cultural scene flourished, as its theatre attracted national attention and the Baron of Beef Society gave local traders a chance to celebrate their prosperity. Still, underlying struggles persisted—increasing infant mortality rates, a larger workhouse, and winter soup kitchens revealed ongoing poverty in the community.

Browse these three articles to sample this period:

PoS (2): Period 5: 1892-1901: era’s end

The new council required time to establish its direction. Mayor Hankinson set a notable precedent for effective governance through democratic processes. Nevertheless, the council hesitated and even adopted the Improvement Commission’s practice of appointing external individuals to leadership roles. A wealthy outsider appointed as mayor proved unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Town Interest Association flourished, operating as an informal parallel council. Incorporation brought corporate stock management, enhancing administrative sophistication. Cultural activities thrived; Oxford University launched its distance learning initiative with varied outcomes, and the Chrysanthemum Show broadened its appeal across different social groups. The development of a golf course upheld Bournemouth’s tradition of successful tourism ventures. While local public companies served as focal points for civic identity, they achieved negligible financial success. A carpenters’ strike introduced the resort union movements. With the passing of Queen Victoria marking the end of an era, Bournemouth demonstrated resilience and continued to focus on future progress.

Browse these three articles to sample this period:

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