View source for Poole

{{Short description|Coastal town in Dorset, England}}
{{About|the coastal town in Dorset, England}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2013}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = 
| official_name      = Poole
| other_name         = 
| settlement_type    = [[List of towns in the United Kingdom|Town]]
| motto              = "Ad Morem Villae De Poole" <small>''"According to the custom of the Town of Poole"''</small>
| image_flag         = Poole town flag.svg
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| image1 = Poole, central span of the Twin Sails bridge - geograph.org.uk - 2682004.jpg|caption1=[[Twin Sails Bridge]]
| image2 = Parish Church of Poole. St James - geograph.org.uk - 2490178.jpg|caption2=[[St James' Church, Poole|Parish church]]
| image3 = Poole Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 3269708.jpg|caption3=[[Hamworthy Bridge]]
| image4 = High Street, Poole (geograph 6948534).jpg|caption4=the [[Poole Old Town|Old Town]]
| image5 = Poole Quayside - geograph.org.uk - 4119526.jpg|caption5=the [[Poole Quay|Quayside]]
}}
| image_blank_emblem = File:Arms_of_Poole_(Naturalistic_Dolphin).svg
| blank_emblem_type  = [[Coat of arms of Poole|Coat of arms of the borough council]]
| blank_emblem_size  = 100px
| blank_emblem_link  = 
| image_map          = Poole UK locator map.svg
| mapsize            = 200px
| map_caption        = Former Poole unitary authority (dark red) within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (red)
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Sovereign state]]
| subdivision_name   = United Kingdom
| subdivision_type1  = [[Countries of the United Kingdom|Constituent country]]
| subdivision_name1  = England
| subdivision_type2  = [[Regions of England|Region]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[South West England]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Ceremonial counties of England|Ceremonial county]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Dorset]]
| subdivision_type4  = [[Historic counties of England|Historic county]]
| subdivision_name4  = [[Dorset]]
| subdivision_type5  = [[Unitary authorities of England|Unitary authority]]
| subdivision_name5  = [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole]]
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = [[Charter trustee]]
| governing_body     = [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council]]
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| leader_name2       = 
| leader_title3      = [[List of MPs elected in the 2019 United Kingdom general election|MPs]]:
| leader_name3       = [[Jessica Toale]] [[Labour Party (UK)|(L)]]<br />
[[Neil Duncan-Jordan]] [[Labour Party (UK)|(L)]]<br />[[Vikki Slade]] [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|(LD)]]
| leader_title4      = 
| leader_name4       = 
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| established_date2  = <!-- Area --------------------->
| area_magnitude     = 
| unit_pref          = <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired-->
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_total_km2     = 64.88
| area_land_km2      = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on automatic unit conversion-->
| area_water_km2     = 
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| area_blank1_title  = 
| area_blank1_km2    = 
| area_blank1_sq_mi  = <!-- Population ----------------------->
| population_as_of   = {{English statistics year}}
| population_footnotes = 
| population_note    = 
| population_total   = 151,500
| population_density_km2 = 
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| population_blank1  = 
| population_density_blank1_km2 = 2133
| population_density_blank1_sq_mi = 
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| population_density_blank2_km2 = 
| population_density_blank2_sq_mi = <!-- General information --------------->
| timezone           = [[Greenwich Mean Time]]
| utc_offset         =  0
| timezone_DST       = 
| utc_offset_DST     = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|50|43|N|1|59|W|region:GB_type:town|display=it}}
| elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use<ref> </ref> tags-->
| elevation_m        = 
| elevation_ft       = <!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
| postal_code_type   = Postcodes
| postal_code        = [[BH postcode area|BH]]12–17
| area_code          = 01202
| blank_name         = [[ISO 3166-2:GB|ISO 3166-2]]
| blank_info         = GB-POL
| blank1_name        = [[ONS coding system|ONS code]]
| blank1_info        = 00HP (ONS)<br/>E06000029 (GSS)
| blank2_name        = [[British national grid reference system|OS grid reference]]
| blank2_info        = {{gbmappingsmall|SZ009906}}
| blank3_name        = 
| blank3_info        = 
| blank4_name        = Ethnicity<br/>2011 Census<ref name=Census2011>{{NOMIS2011|id=1946157353|title=Poole Local Authority|access-date=9 February 2018}}</ref>
| blank4_info        = 91.9% White British<br /> 3.3% Other White<br /> 1.0% South Asian<br /> 0.3% Black<br /> 3.5% Other
| website            = {{URL|https://poole.gov.uk}}
| footnotes          = 
| flag_size          = 100
}}

'''Poole''' ({{IPAc-en|p|uː|l|audio=en-uk-Poole.ogg}}) is a coastal town and seaport on the south coast of England in the [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole]] unitary authority area in [[Dorset]], England. The town is {{convert|21|miles|km}} east of [[Dorchester, Dorset|Dorchester]] and adjoins [[Bournemouth]] to the east. Since 1 April 2019, the local authority is [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council]]. The town had an estimated population of 151,500 (mid-2016 census estimates) making it the second-largest town in the ceremonial county of Dorset. Together with [[Bournemouth]] and [[Christchurch, Dorset|Christchurch]], the [[conurbation]] has a total population of nearly 400,000.

The settlement dates back to before the [[Iron Age]]. The earliest recorded use of the town's name was in the 12th century when the town began to emerge as an important port, prospering with the introduction of the [[Wool#History|wool trade]]. Later, the town had important trade links with North America and, at its peak during the 18th century, it was one of the busiest ports in Britain. In the [[Second World War]], Poole was one of the main departing points for the [[Normandy landings]].

Poole is a tourist resort, attracting visitors with its large [[Poole Harbour|natural harbour]], history, the [[The Lighthouse (Poole)|Lighthouse]] arts centre and [[Blue Flag beach]]es. The town has a [[Port of Poole|commercial port]] with [[English Channel|cross-Channel]] freight and passenger ferry services, which connect with the [[Channel Islands]] of [[Jersey]] and [[Guernsey]], as well as the [[France|French]] port town of [[Saint-Malo]], [[Brittany]].

The headquarters of the [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution]] (RNLI) is in Poole, and the [[Royal Marines]] have a base in the town's harbour. Despite their names, Poole is the home of [[The Arts University Bournemouth]], the [[Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra]] and a significant part of [[Bournemouth University]].

==History==
{{Main|History of Poole}}
[[File:Poole Logboat.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Poole Logboat]], a 2,000-year-old [[dugout canoe]] discovered during dredging works in [[Poole Harbour]]]]
The area around modern Poole has been inhabited for at least the past 2,500&nbsp;years, with nearby [[Christchurch Harbour]] evidencing human activity dating back to the [[Neolithic]] period at [[Hengistbury Head]]. During the 3rd century BC, [[Celtic languages|Celtic-speaking people]] known as the [[Durotriges]]<!--does the source specifically state that it was the Durotriges in the 3rd century BC? It's uncertain when tribal identities emerged--> moved from hilltop settlements at [[Maiden Castle, Dorset|Maiden Castle]] and [[Badbury Rings]] to heathland around the [[River Frome, Dorset|River Frome]] and [[Poole Harbour]].<ref>Cullingford (p.183)</ref><!--the reliance of this source seems questionable; Maiden Castle for example was occupied until the Roman conquest--> The [[Roman Britain|Romans]] landed at Poole<!--this is disputed--> during their [[Roman conquest of Britain|conquest of Britain]] in the 1st century and took over an [[Iron Age]] settlement at [[Hamworthy]], an area just west of the modern town centre.<ref>Legg (p.9)</ref> This was used as a supply base for the fortress at Lake Farm, [[Ashington, Dorset|Ashington]] and a settlement at [[Badbury Rings|Vindocladia (Bradbury Rings)]].<ref>{{Cite book |author-link=Wessex Archaeology |url=https://www.wessexarch.co.uk/sites/default/files/72110_Lake%20Farm%2C%20Wimborne%2C%20Dorset.pdf |title=Lake Farm Wimborne, Dorset Archaeological Evaluation and Watching Brief Report |publisher=Wessex Archaeology |publication-date=October 2009 |pages=8}}</ref>

The town's name may have originated around the post-Roman or Anglo-Saxon periods, and seems to have originally applied to the harbour. It is derived from the late [[Common Brittonic|Brittonic]] or early [[Old English language|Old English]] words ''pol'' meaning a pool or creek.<ref name="Place names">{{cite book|title=A Dictionary of British Place-Names|url=http://www.oxfordreference.com/pages/Subjects_and_Titles__2B_05|last=Mills|first=A.D.|year=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|isbn=0-19-852758-6}}</ref>

By the middle to late [[Anglo-Saxon]] period, Poole was included in the Kingdom of [[Wessex]]. The settlement was used as a base for fishing and the harbour a place for ships to anchor on their way to the River Frome and the important Anglo-Saxon town of [[Wareham, Dorset|Wareham]].<ref name="Welcome to Poole1">{{cite web | title = The Story of Poole (Page 1) | publisher = Welcome to Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story1.htm | access-date = 20 July 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080622121754/http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story1.htm | archive-date = 22 June 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Poole experienced two large-scale [[Viking]] invasions during this era: in 876, [[Guthrum]] sailed his fleet through the harbour to attack Wareham, and in 1015, [[Canute the Great|Canute]] began his conquest of England in Poole Harbour, using it as a base to raid and pillage Wessex.<ref>Sydenham (p.69–71)</ref><ref>Legg (p.13)</ref>

Following the [[Norman conquest of England]], Poole rapidly grew into a busy port as the importance of Wareham declined.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.wareham-tc.gov.uk/WTC_pages/wtc_history.htm#topofpage | title = History of Wareham | publisher = Wareham Town Council | access-date = 17 July 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110107095832/http://www.wareham-tc.gov.uk/WTC_pages/wtc_history.htm#topofpage | archive-date = 7 January 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The town was part of the [[Manorialism|manor]] of Canford but does not exist as an identifiable entry in the [[Domesday Book]].<ref>Legg (p.14)</ref> The earliest written mention of Poole occurred on a document from 1196 describing the newly built St James's Chapel in "La Pole".<ref>Legg (p.15)</ref> The [[Lord of the Manor]], Sir [[William II Longespée|William Longspée]], sold a [[charter]] of liberties to the [[burgess (title)|burgesses]] of Poole in 1248 to raise funds for his participation in the [[Seventh Crusade]].<ref name="Welcome to Poole1"/> Consequently, Poole gained a small measure of freedom from [[Feudalism|feudal rule]] and acquired the right to appoint a mayor and hold a court within the town. Poole's growing importance was recognised in 1433 when it was awarded [[staple port status]] by [[Henry VI of England|King Henry VI]], enabling the port to begin exporting wool and in turn granting a licence for the construction of a town wall.<ref>Sydenham (p.94)</ref> In 1568, Poole gained further autonomy when it was granted legal independence from Dorset and made a [[county corporate]] by the Great Charter of [[Elizabeth I of England|Elizabeth I]].<ref name="historyof">{{cite web | title = History of Poole | publisher = Borough of Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U464057c6c52db&ref=S4649D38C61551 | access-date = 30 May 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100105050439/http://boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U464057c6c52db&ref=S4649D38C61551 | archive-date = 5 January 2010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> During the [[English Civil War]], Poole's [[puritan]] stance and its merchants' opposition to the [[ship money]] tax introduced by [[Charles I of England|King Charles I]] led to the town declaring for [[Roundhead|Parliament]].<ref>Legg (p.31)</ref> Poole escaped any large-scale attack and with the [[Cavalier|Royalists]] on the brink of defeat in 1646, the Parliamentary garrison from Poole laid siege to and captured the nearby Royalist stronghold at [[Corfe Castle]].<ref name="Welcome to Poole3">{{cite web | title = The Story of Poole (Page 3) | publisher = Welcome to Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story3.htm | access-date = 20 July 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080615142545/http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story3.htm | archive-date = 15 June 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>Sydenham (p.127–128)</ref>
[[File:Beech Hurst, Poole.JPG|thumb|left|Beech Hurst in the town centre, a [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] mansion built in 1798 for a wealthy Newfoundland merchant]]
Poole established successful commerce with the [[British colonisation of the Americas#British colonies in North America|North American colonies]] in the 16th century, including the important fisheries of [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]].<ref name="historyof"/> Trade with Newfoundland grew steadily to meet the demand for fish from the Catholic countries of Europe. Poole's share of this trade varied but the most prosperous period started in the early 18th century and lasted until the early 19th century. The trade followed a three-cornered route; ships sailed to Newfoundland with salt and provisions, then carried dried and salted fish to Europe before returning to Poole with wine, olive oil, and salt.<ref name="beamish8">Beamish (p.8–11)</ref> By the early 18th century, Poole had more ships trading with North America than any other English port and vast wealth was brought to Poole's merchants.<ref name="phc history">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.phc.co.uk/about_history.html | title = The Harbour's History | publisher = Poole Harbour Commissioners | access-date = 30 June 2008 | archive-date = 23 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190523224828/https://www.phc.co.uk/about_history.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> This prosperity supported much of the development which now characterises the Old Town where many of the [[medieval]] buildings were replaced with [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] mansions and [[Terraced house|terraced housing]].<ref name="beamish8"/><ref name="cockle">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&keywords=cockle&ref=I483ED26E32D39 | title = Poole Cockle Trail | publisher = Poole Tourism | access-date = 3 September 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110715103454/http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&keywords=cockle&ref=I483ED26E32D39 | archive-date = 15 July 2011 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The end of the [[Napoleonic Wars]] and the conclusion of the [[War of 1812]] ended Britain's monopoly over the Newfoundland fisheries and other nations took over services provided by Poole's merchants at a lower cost. Poole's Newfoundland trade rapidly declined and within a decade most merchants had ceased trading.<ref>Sydenham (p.398–402)</ref><ref name="Welcome to Poole4">{{cite web | title = The Story of Poole (Page 4) | publisher = Welcome to Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story4.htm | access-date = 23 May 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080512021810/http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story4.htm | archive-date = 12 May 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
[[File:Poole Quay - geograph.co.uk 636450.jpg|thumb|Poole Quay was the busy centre of the town's maritime trade.]]
The town grew rapidly during the [[Industrial Revolution]] as urbanisation took place and the town became an area of [[Mercantilism|mercantile]] prosperity and overcrowded poverty. At the turn of the 19th century, nine out of ten workers were engaged in harbour activities. On 1 January 1848 the port had 116 registered vessels (13,641 tons) of its own<ref>{{cite book |title=The National Cyclopaedia of Useful Knowledge |date=1848 |publisher=Charles Knight |location=London |page=531 | volume=V |edition=First}}</ref> but as the century progressed, ships became too large for the shallow harbour and the port lost business to the deepwater ports at [[Liverpool]], [[Southampton]] and [[Plymouth]].<ref name="phc history"/> Poole's first railway station opened in [[Hamworthy railway station|Hamworthy]] in 1847 and later extended to the centre of Poole in 1872, effectively ending the port's busy coastal shipping trade.<ref name="Welcome to Poole4"/> The beaches and landscape of southern Dorset and south-west [[Hampshire]] began to attract tourists during the 19th century and the villages to the east of Poole began to grow and merge until the [[seaside resort]] of [[Bournemouth]] emerged. Although Poole did not become a resort, like many of its neighbours, it continued to prosper as the rapid expansion of Bournemouth created a large demand for goods manufactured in Poole.<ref name="dorset page">{{cite web | year = 200 | url = http://www.thedorsetpage.com/locations/Place/P100.htm | title = Poole, Dorset, England | publisher = The Dorset Page | access-date = 18 July 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130730045423/http://www.thedorsetpage.com/locations/place/P100.htm | archive-date = 30 July 2013 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

During [[World War II]], Poole was the third-largest embarkation point for [[D-Day]] landings of [[Operation Overlord]] and afterwards served as a base for supplies to the [[Allies of World War II|allied forces]] in Europe.<ref name="historyof"/> Eighty-one landing craft containing American troops from the [[29th Infantry Division (United States)|29th Infantry Division]] and the [[United States Army Rangers|US Army Rangers]] departed Poole Harbour for [[Omaha Beach]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Beamish | first = Derek | title = Poole and World War II | publisher = Poole Historical Trust | year = 1980 | pages = 184–193 | isbn = 0-86251-004-X }}</ref> Poole was also an important centre for the development of [[Combined Operations Headquarters|Combined Operations]] and the base for a [[United States Coast Guard|US Coast Guard]] rescue [[flotilla]] of 60 [[83-foot patrol boat|cutters]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2005 | url = http://www.uscg.mil/history/WEBCUTTERS/ResFlot1_Normandy_Photo_Index.asp | title = Coast Guard Rescue Flotilla One at Normandy | publisher = [[United States Coast Guard]] | access-date = 26 April 2008}}</ref> Much of the town suffered from German bombing during the war - in which the Municipal Borough lost 75 civilian lives<ref>{{cite web|last=CWGC |title=Poole Municipal Borough {{!}} Civilian War Deaths |url=https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/4003985/poole-municipal-borough/ |access-date=12 February 2023 |website=CWGC |language=en}}</ref> - and years of neglect in the post-war [[Economic history of the United Kingdom#1945–1951: Age of Austerity|economic decline]]. Major [[Urban renewal|redevelopment]] projects began in the 1950s and 1960s and large areas of [[slum]] properties were demolished and replaced with modern public housing and facilities. Many of Poole's historic buildings were demolished during this period, particularly in the Old Town area of Poole. Consequently, a {{convert|6|ha|acre|adj=on}} [[Conservation Area]] was created in the town centre in 1975 to preserve Poole's most notable buildings.<ref name="Welcome to Poole5">{{cite web | title = The Story of Poole (Page 5) | publisher = Welcome to Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story5.htm | access-date = 23 May 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080509062412/http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story5.htm | archive-date = 9 May 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = The Built Environment | publisher = Borough of Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://poolelocalplan.wisshost.net/text/text5.htm#PolicyBE_1 | access-date = 20 July 2008}}</ref> The [[1988 Poole explosion|Poole explosion of 1988]] caused 3,500 people to be evacuated out of the [[Poole Town Centre|town centre]] in the biggest peacetime evacuation the country had seen since the [[World War II]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Parker |first1=Dennis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OE9KIqGpp-UC&dq=BDH+fire+in+Poole%2C+1988&pg=PA31 |title=Hazard Management and Emergency Planning: Perspectives in Britain |last2=Handmer |first2=John |date=2013-06-17 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-25314-2 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GALLERY: The explosions that rocked Poole - 30 years since the BDH fire |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16318155.bdh-fire-poole-1988/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=Bournemouth Echo |date=28 June 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

==Governance==
{{main|Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole|Poole Borough Council}}
There is one tier of local government covering Poole, at [[Unitary authorities of England|unitary authority]] level: [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council]], which is based at the [[Bournemouth Town Hall|Civic Centre]] in [[Bournemouth]].

===Administrative history===
[[File:Old Town, Poole- Old Guildhall, Market Street (geograph 3911110).jpg|thumb|[[Poole Guildhall]], Market Street: Built 1761 and served as courthouse and meeting place for the borough council until 1932]]
Poole was an [[ancient borough]], which lay within the [[ancient parish]] of [[Canford Magna]]. The borough acquired its first [[municipal charter|charter]] in 1248 from [[William Longespée the Younger|William Longespée]], who was [[lord of the manor]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Charter of William Longespee 1248 |url=http://www.poolehistory.org.uk/node/326637 |website=Poole History Online |publisher=Poole Museum |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref><ref name=1835commissioners>{{cite book |title=Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the Municipal Corporations in England and Wales: Appendix 2 |date=1835 |pages=1319–1320 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3FTAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA1319 |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref> A [[chapel of ease]] dedicated to [[St James' Church, Poole|St James]] existed at Poole from at least 1142.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Church of St James, Church Street|num=1217470|grade=II*|access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref> In 1538, the borough was removed from the parish of [[Canford Magna]] to become its own parish, called Poole St James.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Youngs |first1=Frederic |title=Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England: Volume 1 |date=1979 |publisher=Royal Historical Society |location=London |isbn=0901050679 |page=116}}</ref>

In 1568, Poole was given the right to appoint its own [[sheriff]], making it a [[county corporate]], independent from the jurisdiction of the [[Sheriff of Dorset]].<ref name=1835commissioners/>

In 1836, Poole was reformed to become a [[municipal borough]]. As part of that reform, the borough boundaries were enlarged to take in [[Hamworthy]], [[Longfleet]] and [[Parkstone]].{{efn|The parish of Hamworthy, and [[tithing]]s of Longfleet and Parkstone (both in the parish of [[Canford Magna]]) had been added to the [[Poole (UK Parliament constituency)|Poole constituency]] in 1832;<ref>{{cite book |title=Parliamentary Boundaries Act |date=1832 |page=342 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Uq0uAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA342 |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref> the [[Municipal Corporations Act 1835]] directed that the reformed borough should be enlarged to match the constituency.}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Municipal Corporations Act |date=1835 |page=458 |url=https://archive.org/details/statutesunitedk35britgoog/page/458/mode/2up?q=poole |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Poole Civic Centre.jpg|thumb|left|[[Poole Civic Centre|Civic Centre]], Parkstone Road: Poole Borough Council's headquarters 1932–2019]]
When elected county councils were established in 1889, despite being a county corporate, Poole was not considered large enough for the borough council to take on county council functions.{{efn|The usual threshold adopted for a borough to be made a [[county borough]] was a population of 50,000; at the preceding census of 1881, the borough of Poole's population was 12,310.<ref>{{cite book |title=Census of England and Wales 1881: Volume 1 - Area, Houses, and Population |date=1883 |publisher=Census Office |location=London |page=89 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q4RPAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA89 |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref>}} It was therefore included in the [[Administrative counties of England|administrative county]] of Dorset under the new [[Dorset County Council]]. The borough boundaries were enlarged in 1905 to take in [[Branksome, Dorset|Branksome]], and again in 1931 to absorb Canford Magna.<ref>{{cite web |title=Poole Municipal Borough |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10153037#tab02 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref> In 1932 the borough council built itself [[Poole Civic Centre]] on Parkstone Road to serve as its headquarters.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Former Borough of Poole Municipal Buildings and boundary walls|num=1465200|grade=II}}</ref>

The borough of Poole was reconstituted as a [[non-metropolitan district]] in 1974 under the [[Local Government Act 1972]]. The district kept the same boundaries and its [[Borough status in the United Kingdom|borough status]], but there were some changes to the council's responsibilities.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972|year=1972|number=2039|access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=District Councils and Boroughs |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1974/mar/28/district-councils-and-boroughs#S5CV0871P0_19740328_CWA_145 |website=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]] |access-date=4 December 2021 |date=28 March 1974}}</ref>

In 1997, [[Poole Borough Council]] became a unitary authority, taking over the provision of county council functions from Dorset County Council.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Dorset (Boroughs of Poole and Bournemouth) (Structural Change) Order 1995|year=1995|number=1771|access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref>

The borough of Poole was abolished in 2019, merging with the boroughs of Bournemouth and [[Christchurch, Dorset|Christchurch]] to become a new [[non-metropolitan district|local government district]] called [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole]], the council of which is a unitary authority.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole (Structural Changes) Order 2018|year=2018|number=648|article=3|access-date=24 June 2024}}</ref> The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole district remains part of the [[ceremonial county]] of Dorset for the purposes of [[Lord-lieutenant|lieutenancy]].<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Lieutenancies Act 1997|year=1997|chapter=23|schedule=1}}</ref>

Since the abolition of Poole Borough Council in 2019, Poole has had [[charter trustees]], being the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councillors representing wards in the former borough of Poole. The trustees preserve the town's civic charters and traditions, including appointing one of their number each year to serve as mayor and another to serve as sheriff; these roles are now purely honorary with no practical functions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Poole's Charter Trustees |url=https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/about-the-council/civic-dignitaries/charter-trustees/pooles-charter-trustees |website=Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref> Poole is one of only fifteen towns and cities across England and Wales which appoint their own sheriff, with Poole's right to do so stemming from its former status as a county corporate.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Association of City and Town Sheriffs of England and Wales |url=https://www.sheriffsofenglandandwales.org/ |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref>

===Parliamentary representation===
Poole is represented by three parliamentary [[United Kingdom constituencies|constituencies]] in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]]; [[Poole (UK Parliament constituency)|Poole]], [[Mid Dorset and North Poole (UK Parliament constituency)|Mid Dorset and North Poole]], and [[Bournemouth West (UK Parliament constituency)|Bournemouth West]]. The borough constituency of [[Poole (UK Parliament constituency)|Poole]] has existed since 1950. Previously the town had been a [[parliamentary borough]], electing two members of parliament from 1455 until 1865 when representation was reduced to one member. In 1885 the constituency was abolished altogether and absorbed into the [[East Dorset (UK Parliament constituency)|East Dorset constituency]] until its reintroduction in 1950.

===Coat of arms===
{{Main|Coat of arms of Poole}}
[[File:Coat of Arms Poole.png|thumb|upright|The [[Coat of arms of Poole|coat of arms]] of the Borough of Poole.]]
The design of the [[coat of arms]] originated in a [[Seal (emblem)|seal]] from the late 14th century and were recorded by [[Clarenceux King of Arms]] during the [[heraldic visitation]] of Dorset in 1563.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://uk-genealogy.org.uk/england/Dorset/visitations/p6.html | title = Visitation of Dorsetshire | publisher = UK Genealogy Archives | access-date = 3 November 2007 | year = 2007 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070709151722/http://www.uk-genealogy.org.uk/england/Dorset/visitations/p6.html | archive-date = 9 July 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The wavy bars of black and gold represent the sea and the dolphin is a sign of Poole's maritime interests.<ref name="coatarms">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/your-council/how-the-council-works/coat-of-arms/ | title = Coat of Arms | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 5 December 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120129042421/http://www.poole.gov.uk/your-council/how-the-council-works/coat-of-arms/ | archive-date = 29 January 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The scallop shells are the emblem of [[James, son of Zebedee|Saint James]] and are associated with his [[Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela|shrine]] at [[Santiago de Compostela]] – a popular destination for [[Pilgrimage#Christianity|Christian pilgrims]] departing from Poole Harbour in the [[Middle Ages]].<ref name="coatarms"/>

The arms were confirmed by the [[College of Arms]] on 19 June 1948, and at the same time, the crest (a [[mermaid]] supporting an anchor and holding a cannonball) was granted. Following [[Local Government Act 1972|local government reorganisation]] in 1974, the 1948 arms were transferred to Poole Borough Council. In 1976, the council received the grant of [[supporters]] for the coat of arms. The supporters refer to important charters given to the town; to the left is a gold lion holding a long sword representing [[William II Longespée|William Longespee]] who in 1248 granted the town's first charter; on the right is a [[dragon]] derived from the [[Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom|Royal Arms]] of [[Elizabeth I of England|Elizabeth I]] who granted Poole [[county corporate]] status in 1568. The [[Latin]] [[motto]] – ''Ad Morem Villae De Poole'', means: ''According to the Custom of the Town of Poole'', and derives from the Great Charter of 1568.<ref name="coatarms"/>

==Geography==
Poole is a complex shore of the [[English Channel]]; it lies on the northern and eastern edges of [[Poole Harbour]], {{convert|97|miles|km}} west-southwest of London.<ref>{{Google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Poole/@50.7136254,-1.9899201 |title=Poole |access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref> The oldest part of the town (including the historic Old Town, Poole Quay and the [[Dolphin Shopping Centre]]) lies to the south-east of [[Holes Bay]] on a peninsula jutting into the harbour, although much of the land to the east of the peninsula has been reclaimed from the harbour since the mid-20th century. To the west is [[Upton, Dorset|Upton]] and [[Corfe Mullen]] and across the northern border at the [[River Stour, Dorset|River Stour]] lies [[Wimborne Minster]]. At the eastern edge of Poole, the town abuts Bournemouth and the settlements of [[Kinson]], [[Winton, Dorset|Winton]] and [[Westbourne, Dorset|Westbourne]]. To the south of Poole along the coast lies [[Poole Bay]], which has {{convert|3|miles|km}} of sandy beaches from [[Sandbanks]] in the west to Bournemouth in the east.

'''Urban areas and districts of the town'''<br />
Poole is made up of numerous suburbs and neighbourhoods, many of which developed from villages or [[Hamlet (place)|hamlets]] that were absorbed into Poole as the town grew.<br />
[[Alderney, Dorset|Alderney]] – [[Bearwood, Dorset|Bearwood]] – [[Branksome, Dorset|Branksome]] – [[Branksome Park]] – [[Broadstone, Dorset|Broadstone]] – [[Canford Cliffs]] – [[Canford Heath]] – [[Creekmoor]] – [[Fleetsbridge]] – [[Hamworthy]] – [[Lilliput, Poole|Lilliput]] – [[Longfleet]] – [[Merley]] – [[Oakley, Dorset|Oakley]] – [[Newtown, Dorset|Newtown]] – [[Oakdale, Dorset|Oakdale]] – [[Parkstone]] – [[Penn Hill]] – [[Sandbanks]] – [[Sterte]] – [[Talbot Village]] – [[Wallisdown]] – [[Waterloo, Dorset|Waterloo]] – [[Whitecliff]]

[[File:Dorset geology.png|thumb|left|Poole lies on [[Eocene]] clays.]]
The natural environment of Poole is characterised by lowland [[heathland]] to the north and wooded [[chine]]s and coastline to the south. The heathland habitat supports the six native [[List of British reptiles|British reptile species]] and provides a home for a range of [[Dragonfly|dragonflies]] and rare birds. Development has destroyed much of the heath but scattered fragments remain to the north of Poole and have been designated [[Special Protection Area]]s.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} The town lies on unresistant beds of [[Eocene]] clays (mainly [[London Clay]] and [[Gault Clay]]), sands and gravels.<ref name="dorsetgeology">{{cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.soton.ac.uk/~imw/Field-Guides-Introduction.htm | title = Geology of the Central South Coast of England | publisher = [[University of Southampton]] | access-date = 14 August 2007}}</ref> The [[River Frome, Dorset|River Frome]] runs through this weak rock, and its many [[tributary|tributaries]] have carved out a wide [[estuary]]. At the mouth of the estuary [[spit (landform)|sand spits]] have been deposited, enclosing the estuary to create Poole Harbour.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.soton.ac.uk/~imw/Sandbanks.htm | title = Sandbanks Sand Spit | publisher = School of Ocean and Earth Science, [[University of Southampton]] | access-date = 5 August 2008}}</ref>

The harbour is the largest [[Harbour#Natural harbors|natural harbour]] in Europe and the second-largest natural harbour in the world after [[Port Jackson|Sydney Harbour]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/environmental/services/ref:S4651BE26C4E36/aka:Harbour/ | title = Harbour | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 30 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080706011158/http://www.boroughofpoole.com/environmental/services/ref%3AS4651BE26C4E36/aka%3AHarbour/ | archive-date = 6 July 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> It is an area of international importance for nature conservation and is noted for its ecology, supporting [[salt marsh]]es, [[mudflat]]s and an internationally important habitat for several species of [[Migrating birds|migrating bird]]. It has been designated a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)]], a Special Protection Area and a [[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar site]] as well as falling within the [[Dorset National Landscape]] area.<ref name="port"/> The harbour covers an area of {{convert|15|sqmi|sqnmi km2}} and is extremely shallow. The main shipping channels are {{convert|7.5|m|ft|}} deep the average depth of the harbour is {{convert|48|cm|ftin|}}.<ref name="dredge">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poolebay.net/PhaseI/dredging.htm | title = The Dredging Operation | publisher = PooleBay.net | access-date = 3 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.diadfish.org/maj2006_fichiers/maj_11_06_slime/piddle_and_frome.pdf | title = Rivers Piddle and Frome, and Poole Harbour | publisher = [[Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science]] | access-date = 30 June 2008 | archive-date = 25 February 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210225041547/http://www.diadfish.org/maj2006_fichiers/maj_11_06_slime/piddle_and_frome.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref> It contains several small islands, the largest is [[Brownsea Island]], a nature reserve owned by the [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]] and the birthplace of the [[Scouting movement]] and location of the first [[Brownsea Island Scout Camp|Scout Camp]].<ref name='Why Brownsea'>{{cite book | last = Woolgar | first = Brian|author2=La Riviere, Sheila | year = 2002 | title = Why Brownsea? The Beginnings of Scouting | publisher = Brownsea Island Scout and Guide Management Committee (re-issue 2007, Wimborne Minster: Minster Press)}}</ref> Britain's largest onshore [[oil field]] operates from [[Wytch Farm]] on the south shore of the harbour.<ref name=bp2>{{cite web |url=http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/STAGING/global_assets/downloads/U/uk_asset_wytch_farm.pdf|title=BP Asset Portfolio: Wytch Farm|publisher=[[BP]]|access-date=27 June 2008}}</ref> The [[Petroleum reservoir|oil reservoirs]] extend under the harbour and eastwards from Sandbanks and [[Studland]] for {{convert|10|km|mi|order=flip}} under the sea to the south of Bournemouth.<ref name=andrews>Andrews I.J. & Balson P.S. (1995), ''Wight: Sheet 50N 02W Solid Geology'', 1:250,000 Geological map series, Keyworth: [[British Geological Survey]].</ref>

Situated directly to the east of the [[Jurassic Coast]], Poole is a gateway town to the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]], which includes {{convert|153|km|mi|order=flip}} of the Dorset and east Devon coast important for its geology, [[landforms]] and rich [[fossil record]].<ref name="jurassiccoast"/> The [[South West Coast Path]] stretches for {{convert|630|miles|km}} from [[Minehead]] in Somerset, along the coast of [[Devon]] and [[Cornwall]] and on to Poole. The path is England's longest [[Long-distance footpaths in the UK|national trail]].<ref name="SWcoastpath">{{cite web | url = http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/other-national-trails/ | title = Other National Trails | publisher = [[South West Coast Path]] | access-date = 5 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109230107/http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/other-national-trails/ |archive-date= Jan 9, 2014 }}</ref>

{{Panorama
 |image = File:Poole panorama.jpg
 |alt = A panorama of Poole town centre viewed from Parkstone, showing some tall buildings and the rooftops of low-rise buildings amongst treetops, with a ship in the harbour beyond.
 |caption = A panorama of [[Poole town centre]] viewed from [[Parkstone]]
 |height= 250
}}

===Climate===
Due to its location on the south coast of England, Poole has a [[temperate]] climate with a small variation in daily and annual temperatures. The average annual [[Arithmetic mean|mean]] temperature from 1971 to 2000 was {{convert|10.2|-|12|C|F}}.<ref name="annualmean">{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/17.gif |title=Mean Temperature Annual Average 1971 - 2000 |publisher=[[Met Office]] |access-date=30 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801122236/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/17.gif |archive-date=1 August 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref> The warmest months in Poole are July and August, which have an average [[Diurnal temperature variation|temperature range]] of {{convert|12|to|22|C|F}}, and the coolest months are January and February, which have a range of {{convert|2|to|8.3|C|F}}.<ref name="annualweather">{{cite web | url = http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:UKXX0113 | title = Weather Averages Poole, England | publisher = [[MSN]] Weather | access-date = 30 May 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714125935/http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:UKXX0113 | archive-date = 14 July 2011 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Mean [[sea surface temperatures]] range from {{convert|6.9|°C|°F|1}} in February to {{convert|18.5|°C|°F|1}} in August.<ref name="seatemperatures">{{cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.cefas.co.uk/data/sea-temperature-and-salinity-trends/presentation-of-results/station-23-bournemouth.aspx | title = Cefas Station 23: Bournemouth | publisher = [[Cefas|The Centre for Environment Fisheries & Aquaculture Science]] | access-date = 30 May 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080612052900/http://www.cefas.co.uk/data/sea-temperature-and-salinity-trends/presentation-of-results/station-23-bournemouth.aspx | archive-date = 12 June 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The average annual rainfall of {{Convert|592.6|mm|in}} is well below the UK average of {{convert|1126|mm|in}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/uk.html |title=UK 1971–2000 averages | publisher=[[Met Office]] | year=2008 | access-date=12 October 2008}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Poole, Dorset, England
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|Jan high C = 8
|Feb high C = 8
|Mar high C = 11
|Apr high C = 13
|May high C = 17
|Jun high C = 19
|Jul high C = 22
|Aug high C = 22
|Sep high C = 19
|Oct high C = 15
|Nov high C = 11
|Dec high C = 9
|year high C = 14.5
|Jan low C = 2
|Feb low C = 2
|Mar low C = 3
|Apr low C = 4
|May low C = 7
|Jun low C = 10
|Jul low C = 12
|Aug low C = 12
|Sep low C = 10
|Oct low C = 7
|Nov low C = 4
|Dec low C = 3
|year low C = 6.3
|Jan precipitation mm = 62.9
|Feb precipitation mm = 50.3
|Mar precipitation mm = 40.7
|Apr precipitation mm = 45.5
|May precipitation mm = 29.2
|Jun precipitation mm = 35.6
|Jul precipitation mm = 31.8
|Aug precipitation mm = 35.5
|Sep precipitation mm = 51.5
|Oct precipitation mm = 73.5
|Nov precipitation mm = 69.0
|Dec precipitation mm = 67.2
|year precipitation mm = 592.6
|source 1 = MSN<ref name="annualweather"/>
|date=August 2010
}}

===Green belt===
{{Main|South West Hampshire/South East Dorset Green Belt}}
Poole lies at the centre of a [[Green belt (United Kingdom)|green belt]] region that extends into the wider surrounding counties. It is in place to reduce [[urban sprawl]], prevent the towns in the South East Dorset conurbation from further convergence, protect the identity of outlying communities, and preserve nearby countryside. This is achieved by restricting inappropriate development within the designated areas and imposing stricter conditions on permitted building.<ref name="green-belt"/>

Poole has areas of green belt to the north and west of the district, mostly on the fringes of the shared border with the Purbeck and East Dorset districts. These cover landscape features and greenfield facilities including the rivers Stour and [[River Sherford|Sherford]] and their [[floodplains]], the [[Stour Valley Way]], [[Canford Heath]]land, Dunyeats Hill and [[Corfe & Barrow Hills|Corfe and Barrow Hill]] nature reserves, Upton Country Park, [[Pergins Island]], and the Wimborne District Society of Model Engineers miniature railway.

The small communities at Merley, Canford Magna, Oakley and Oakley Hill are separated from the main urban area, and while inset, are not covered by green belt. However, the isolated hamlets of Knighton, Merley Hall and [[Ashington, Dorset|Ashington]] are 'washed over', and development is limited in these locations.<ref name="green-belt">{{cite web|title=Poole Local Plan Review - Draft Green Belt Review|url=http://archive.poole.gov.uk/EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=35065|website=poole.gov.uk}}</ref> A specific function of the restrictions is to prevent further urban encroachment towards [[Wimborne Minster]], to help maintain its historic character and surroundings.<ref name="green-belt"/>

==Demography==
{{Update|section|date=August 2024}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="float:right; line-height:1.1em; border:1px #000; margin-left:0; text-align:right;"
|-
! Religion
! %<ref name="Religion">{{cite web | year = 2001 | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=276840&c=poole&d=13&e=15&g=403343&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1212414991684&enc=1&dsFamilyId=17 | title = Key Figures for 2001 Census: Key Statistics | publisher = [[Office for National Statistics]] | access-date = 2 June 2008}}</ref>
|- style="line-height: 1.1em"
|align=left |[[Buddhism|Buddhist]]
|0.16
|- style="line-height: 1.1em"
|align=left |Christian
|74.34
|- style="line-height: 1.1em"
|align=left |[[Hinduism|Hindu]]
|0.15
|- style="line-height: 1.1em"
|align=left |[[Jewish]]
|0.32
|- style="line-height: 1.1em"
|align=left |[[Muslim]]
|0.41
|- style="line-height: 1.1em"
|align=left |[[Irreligion|No religion]]
|16.23
|- style="line-height: 1.1em"
|align=left |[[List of religions|Other]]
|0.32
|- style="line-height: 1.1em"
|align=left |[[Sikhism|Sikh]]
|0.03
|- style="line-height: 1.1em"
|align=left |Not stated
|8.03
|}
{| class="toc" border="1" style="float:right; border-collapse:collapse; margin-right:10pt; margin-left:1em; margin-top:1em;"
|-
!Age!!Percentage<ref name="profile"/>
|-
||0–4||align=right|5.2
|-
||5–14||align=right|12.2
|-
||15–29||align=right|16.0
|-
||30–44||align=right|21.5
|-
||45–64||align=right|24.8
|-
||65+||align=right|20.3
|}

Poole merges with several other towns to form the [[South East Dorset conurbation]] which has a combined population of over 465,000, forming one of the South Coast's major urban areas.<ref name="profile"/> In the [[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 census]], the population of the borough of Poole was 147,645,<ref name=Census2011/> an increase from 138,288 in [[2001 UK Census|2001]].<ref name="census">{{cite web | title = Census 2001 | publisher = [[Office for National Statistics]] | year = 2001 | url = http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/pyramids/printV/00HP.asp | access-date = 30 May 2008 }}</ref> The town has a built-up area of {{convert|65|km2|sqmi|order=flip}}, giving an approximate population density of {{convert|5,532|PD/sqmi|PD/km2}} in 60,512 dwellings.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2001 | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=276840&c=poole&d=13&e=15&g=403343&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1212414991684&enc=1&dsFamilyId=49 | title = Household spaces and accommodation type | publisher = [[Office for National Statistics]] | access-date = 2 June 2008}}</ref> The population has grown steadily since the 1960s, [[Internal migration|inward migration]] has accounted for most of the town's growth and a significant part of this has been for retirement.<ref name="housing"/> Housing stock has increased by over 100 per cent in the past 40 years from 30,000 in 1961 to approximately 62,700 in 2004.<ref name="housing">{{cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://poolelocalplan.wisshost.net/text/text8.htm | title = Housing | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 2 June 2008}}</ref> Compared to the rest of [[England and Wales]], Poole has an above-average number of residents aged over 65 (20.3%), but this is less than the Dorset average of 22.2%. The largest proportion of the population (24.8%) is between the ages of 45 and 64, slightly above the national average of 23.8%.<ref name="profile">{{cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://poolelocalplan.wisshost.net/text/text2.htm | title = A Profile of Poole | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 2 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005004301/http://poolelocalplan.wisshost.net/text/text2.htm |archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> Population projections have predicted a continual growth; a population of 151,481 is estimated by 2016.<ref name="profile"/>

The district is overwhelmingly populated by people of a White ethnic background, 95.98% of residents are of [[White British]] ethnicity, well above the rest of England at 86.99%.<ref name="Religion"/> Minority ethnic groups (including those in White ethnic groups who did not classify themselves as British) represent 4.0% of Poole's population. The largest religion in Poole is Christianity, at almost 74.34%, slightly above the [[Religion in the United Kingdom#Statistics|United Kingdom average]] of 71.6%.<ref name="UKreligion">{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=293 |title=Religion in Britain |publisher=[[Office for National Statistics]] |access-date=22 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219175055/http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=293 |archive-date=19 February 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> The next-largest sector is those with no religion, at almost 16.23%, also above the UK average of 15.5%.<ref name="UKreligion"/>

The average house price in Poole is high compared to the rest of the UK and the surrounding [[South West England|south-west region]].<ref name="houseprices"/> The average price of a property in Poole in 2008 was £274,011; [[Single-family detached home|detached houses]] were on average £374,150, [[semi-detached]] and [[terraced house]]s were cheaper at £226,465 and £217,128 respectively. An apartment or flat costs on average £216,097, more than any other part of Dorset.<ref name="houseprices">{{cite news | year = 2007 | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/uk_house_prices/html/19uj.stm | title = UK House Prices | publisher = [[British Broadcasting Corporation]] | access-date = 2 June 2008}}</ref> The average house prices in Poole are boosted by those in [[Sandbanks]] which had the fourth-most expensive house prices in the world in 2000;<ref name="bbc golden riviera">{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/961423.stm | title = Britain's golden riviera | work = BBC News | access-date = 2 June 2008 | date=7 October 2000}}</ref> in 2007 the average house price was £488,761.<ref>{{cite news  | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6941542.stm | title = Price study looks at seaside life | work = BBC News | access-date = 2 June 2008 | date=11 August 2007}}</ref> A study in 2006 by the [[National Housing Federation]] reported that Poole was the most unaffordable town in which to live in the UK.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/5259918.stm | title = Dorset town is least affordable | work = BBC News | access-date = 2 June 2008 | date=17 August 2006}}</ref>
{{clear}}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; font-size:90%; width:70%; border:0; text-align:center; line-height:120%;"
! colspan="22" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|[[Population growth]] in Poole since 1801
|-
! style="background:#9cc; color:navy; height:17px;"| Year
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1801
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1811
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1821
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1831
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1841
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1851
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1861
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1871
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1881
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1891
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1901
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1911
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1921
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1931
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1941
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1951
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1961
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1971
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1981
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 1991
! style="background:#fff; color:navy;"| 2001
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#9cc; color:navy; height:17px;"| Population
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 6,682
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 6,752
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 9,021
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 9,401
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 9,901
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 10,595
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 12,152
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 13,710
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 15,267
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 20,446
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 29,068
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 41,344
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 50,024
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 60,527
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 71,089
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 83,494
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 94,598
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 107,204
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 117,133
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 135,066
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| 138,299
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#9cc; color:navy; height:17px;"| % change
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| –
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +1.1
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +33.6
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +4.2
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +5.3
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +7
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +14.7
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +12.8
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +11.4
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +33.9
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +42.2
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +42.2
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +30
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +30
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +17.5
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +17.5
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +13.3
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +13.3
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +9.3
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +15.3
| style="background:#fff; color:black;"| +2.4
|-
| colspan="22" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|<small>'''Source:'''<br />[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_table_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_TPop&u_id=10056548&c_id=10001043&add=N A Vision of Britain through Time]</small>
|}

==Economy==
{{Update|section|date=May 2020}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Poole's employment structure<ref name="profile"/>
|-
! scope="col"|Sector
! scope="col"|Poole
! scope="col"|Dorset]
! scope="col"|Great Britain
|-
!scope="row"|Agriculture
|0.1%||0.4%||0.9%
|-
!scope="row"|Energy and Water
|1.1%||0.6%||0.8%
|-
!scope="row"|Manufacturing
|16.8%||13.4%||13.4%
|-
!scope="row"|Construction
|3.3%||4.0%||4.5%
|-
!scope="row"|Services
|78.7%||81.7%||80.5%
|}
Poole's economy is more balanced than the rest of Dorset.<ref name="profile"/> In the 1960s, prosperity was fuelled by growth in the [[Secondary sector of economic activity|manufacturing sector]], whereas the 1980s and 1990s saw expansion in the [[Tertiary sector of economic activity|service sector]] as office-based employers relocated to the area.<ref name="profile"/> The importance of manufacturing has declined since the 1960s but still employed approximately 17% of the workforce in 2002 and remains more prominent than in the economy of Great Britain as a whole.<ref name="profile"/> [[Sunseeker]], the world's largest privately owned builder of [[Luxury yacht|motor yachts]] and the UK's largest manufacturer, is based in Poole and employs over 1,800 people in its Poole [[shipyard]]s.<ref>{{cite web | title = The name's Sunseeker | publisher = [[Bournemouth Daily Echo]] | year = 2006 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.990854.0.the_names_sunseeker.php | access-date = 3 June 2008 }}</ref> Other major employers in the local manufacturing industry include [[Lush (company)|Lush]], [[Siemens]] and [[Ryvita]]. Poole has the largest number of [[industrial estates]] in [[South East Dorset conurbation|South East Dorset]], including the Nuffield Industrial estate, Mannings Heath, Arena Business Park, Poole Trade Park and the Branksome Business Centre.<ref name="industrial">{{cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://www.investindorset.co.uk/poole.html | title = Town Profile – Poole | publisher = Invest in Dorset | access-date = 3 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080820163658/http://www.investindorset.co.uk/poole.html | archive-date = 20 August 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
[[File:Poole.sunseeker.arp.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Sunseeker]] shipyards opposite Poole Quay]]
The service sector is the principal economy of Poole; a large number of employees work for the service economy of residents or for tourists. During the 1970s, Poole's less restrictive [[regional planning]] policies attracted businesses wishing to relocate from London.<ref name="profile"/> These included employers in the banking and financial sector, such as [[Barclays Bank]] (who operated [[Barclays House]] as a regional headquarters in Poole), [[American Express Bank]] and the [[corporate trust]] division of [[Bank of New York Mellon]]. Other important service sector employers include the national headquarters and college of the [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution|Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)]], the UK headquarters of [[Fitness First]], [[Bournemouth University]] and [[Arts University Bournemouth]]. Poole is also the headquarters for clothing company [[Animal (clothing)|Animal]], cosmetics manufacturer Lush, and [[Merlin Entertainments]], the world's second-largest [[theme park]] operator after [[Disney]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.blooloop.com/KBArticle/Merlin-Entertainments-Group/8 | title = Merlin Entertainments Group | year = 2008 | publisher = Blooloop.com | access-date = 4 August 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081122043443/http://www.blooloop.com/KBArticle/Merlin-Entertainments-Group/8 | archive-date = 22 November 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The [[Dolphin Shopping Centre]] is Poole's main retail area and the largest indoor shopping centre in Dorset.<ref name="shops">{{cite web | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php | title = Shopping | publisher = Poole Tourism | year = 2008 | access-date = 26 July 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080928074759/http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php | archive-date = 28 September 2008 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> It opened in 1969 as an [[Arndale Centre]] and underwent three major refurbishments in 1980, 1989 and 2004. The centre provides {{convert|47000|m2|sqft}} of retail space with 110 stores and two [[multi-storey car park]]s with 1,400 parking spaces. A pedestrianised [[high street]] with shops, bars, pubs and restaurants connects the Dolphin Centre with the historic Old Town area and Poole Quay.<ref name="shops"/> Tourism is important to the Poole's economy and was worth an estimated £158 million in 2002.<ref name="profile"/> Poole's Harbour, Quay and the beaches are some of the main attractions for visitors.<ref name="jurassiccoast">{{cite web | url = http://www.jurassiccoast.com/279/visiting-the-coast-31/gateway-towns-146/poole-457.html | title = Poole | publisher = [[Jurassic Coast]] | access-date = 3 June 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120911234317/http://www.jurassiccoast.com/279/visiting-the-coast-31/gateway-towns-146/poole-457.html | archive-date = 11 September 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Visitor accommodation consists of hotels, [[Guest house (lodging)|guest houses]] and [[bed and breakfast]] rooms located around the town, particularly in Sandbanks and the town centre.
[[File:Barclays, Poole.jpg|thumb|[[Barclays House]] in the [[Poole Town Centre|town centre]].]]
Poole is served by the [[Port of Poole]]. Since the 1970s, Poole has become one of Britain's busiest ports.<ref name="profile"/><ref>Legg (p.145)</ref> Investment in new port facilities in Hamworthy and the deepening of shipping channels allowed considerable growth in [[English Channel|cross-channel]] freight and passenger traffic.<ref name="profile"/> The port is a destination for [[bulk cargo]] imports such as steel, timber, bricks, fertiliser, grain, aggregates and palletised traffic. Export cargoes include clay, sand, fragmented steel and grain.<ref name="port">{{cite web |year=2006 |url=http://www.ecoports.com/ContentFiles/poole%20harbour%20aquatic%20management%20plan%202006.pdf |title=Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225000032/http://www.ecoports.com/ContentFiles/poole%20harbour%20aquatic%20management%20plan%202006.pdf |archive-date=25 February 2009 |publisher=EcoPorts |access-date=3 June 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> Commercial ferry operators run regular passenger and freight services from Poole to [[Cherbourg]], [[St Malo]] and the [[Channel Islands]].<ref name="port"/> The [[Royal Marines]] operate out of the harbour at [[RM Poole]], established in Hamworthy in 1954.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.royalmarines.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6693 | title = The History of RM Poole | publisher = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defense]] | access-date = 30 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080604201947/http://www.royalmarines.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6693 | archive-date = 4 June 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The base is home to [[special forces]] unit the [[Special Boat Service]] and a detachment of the [[Royal Marines Reserve]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.royalmarines.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6803 | title = RMR Poole | publisher = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defense]] | access-date = 30 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081201103918/http://www.royalmarines.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6803 | archive-date = 1 December 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1659585.stm | title = The secretive sister of the SAS | work = BBC News | access-date = 30 July 2008 | date=16 November 2001}}</ref> In 2008, 105 fishing boats were registered and licensed to the port and held a permit issued by the Southern Sea Fisheries District Committee (SSFDC) to fish commercially.<ref name="fish1">{{cite web | title = Fishermen cast into a part-time role by quotas | publisher = [[Bournemouth Daily Echo]] | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2145594.0.fishermen_cast_into_a_parttime_role_by_quotas.php | access-date = 3 June 2008}}</ref> It is the largest port in terms of licences in the SSFDC district which covers the coastline of Dorset, [[Hampshire]] and the [[Isle of Wight]], and one of the largest registered fishing fleets in the UK.<ref name="fish2">{{cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.phc.co.uk/downloads/channeldeepening/es10_fishing.pdf | title = Fishing Activity | publisher = Royal Haskoning | access-date = 3 June 2008 | archive-date = 24 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190524133548/https://www.phc.co.uk/downloads/channeldeepening/es10_fishing.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref> However, the fleet is gradually declining because of rising fuel costs and restrictive [[Common Fisheries Policy|fishing quotas]] introduced by the [[European Union]].<ref name="fish1"/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/mostpopular.var.2353782.mostviewed.fishermen_protest_as_fuel_costs_strike_hard.php | title = Fishermen protest as fuel costs strike hard | year = 2008 | publisher = [[Bournemouth Daily Echo]] | access-date = 4 August 2008}}</ref> A large number of unlicensed boats also operate charted or private angling excursions.<ref name="fish2"/>

==Landmarks==
[[File:Poole.quay.750pix.jpg|thumb|Poole Quay, once a busy centre of maritime trade, has become increasingly popular with tourists]]
Poole [[Quay]] is a visitor attraction to the south of the town centre lined with a mixture of traditional pubs and [[listed buildings]] alongside new bars, redeveloped warehouses and apartment blocks. Once the busy centre of Poole's [[Shipping|maritime industry]], all port activities moved to [[Hamworthy]] in the 1970s as the Quay became increasingly popular with tourists. The Grade II* listed [[Custom House, Poole|Customs House]] on the quay-front was built in 1814 and now functions as a restaurant and bar.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1275358&resourceID=5 | title = Listed Buildings Online: Customs House | year = 2008 | publisher = [[English Heritage]] | access-date = 26 July 2008}}</ref> Nearby the Grade I listed Town Cellars, a [[medieval]] warehouse built in the 15th century on the foundations of a 14th-century stone building, houses a [[local history]] centre.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1217514&resourceID=5 | title = Listed Buildings Online: The Town Cellar | year = 2008 | publisher = [[English Heritage]] | access-date = 26 July 2008}}</ref> [[Scaplen's Court]], another Grade I listed building, also dates from the medieval era.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1275378&resourceID=5 | title = Listed Buildings Online: Scaplens Court | year = 2008 | publisher = [[English Heritage]] | access-date = 26 July 2008}}</ref> [[Poole Pottery]] has been redeveloped into an [[Tower block|apartment block]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.1197185.0.fired_up_over_pottery_future.php | year = 2007 | title = Fired up over pottery future | publisher = [[Bournemouth Daily Echo]] | access-date = 26 July 2008}}</ref> Boats regularly depart from the quay during the summer and provide cruises around the harbour and to [[Brownsea Island]], the [[River Frome, Dorset|River Frome]] and [[Swanage]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.poolequay.com/cruises.html#top | title = Poole Quay Cruises | year = 2008 | publisher = PooleQuay.com | access-date = 26 July 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080716180120/http://www.poolequay.com/cruises.html#top | archive-date = 16 July 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Public artworks along the Quay include ''Sea Music'' – a large metal sculpture designed by [[Sir Anthony Caro]], and a life-size [[Statue of Robert Baden-Powell, Poole|bronze sculpture of Robert Baden-Powell]] created to celebrate the founding of the [[Scouting|Scout Movement]] on Brownsea Island.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/ref:N480DE69556D07/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216073554/http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/ref:N480DE69556D07/ |archive-date=16 February 2011 |title=Baden-Powell Returns To Poole Quay | year = 2008 | publisher = Borough of Poole }}</ref> At the western end of the quay, near the mouth of Holes Bay, is [[Poole Bridge]]. Built in 1927, it is the third bridge to be located on the site since 1834.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46406a60875e7&ref=S464989E0D0BC4 | title = Existing Lifting Bridge | year = 2008 | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 26 July 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071102171706/http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46406a60875e7&ref=S464989E0D0BC4 | archive-date = 2 November 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

[[Poole Guildhall]] has played a varied part in the history of the town. A Grade II* listed building, the Guildhall was built in 1761 at a cost of £2,250.<ref name="guildhall">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46405d3d22e69&ref=S464C399B79522 | title = Guildhall | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 15 July 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080517163212/http://boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46405d3d22e69&ref=S464C399B79522 | archive-date = 17 May 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1266739&resourceID=5 | title = The Guildhall | publisher = [[English Heritage]] | access-date = 18 July 2008}}</ref> The new building included an open [[Marketplace|market house]] on the ground floor and a courtroom and offices for the town council on the first floor and has also been used as a [[court of record]], [[magistrates' court (England and Wales)|magistrates' court]], [[admiralty court|court of admiralty]] and a venue for [[court of quarter sessions|quarter sessions]]. Between 1819 and 1821 the building was consecrated as a [[Church of England parish church|parish church]] while the old [[St James' Church, Poole|St. James Church]] was pulled down and replaced with the present church.<ref name="guildhall"/> During the [[Second World War]], the building was used as a canteen and meeting room for American soldiers before the [[Operation Overlord|invasion of France]]. The showers and washing facilities installed at this time were later converted into [[Public bathing|public baths]] which were used until the 1960s. The building was converted for use as the town museum between 1971 and 1991 but stood empty for the next 16 years. After a renovation project funded by Poole Borough Council, the restored Guildhall opened in June 2007 as a [[Register Office]] for weddings, [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|civil partnerships]] and other civic ceremonies.<ref name="guildhall"/><ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/dorset/6605087.stm | title = Restored Guildhall to open doors | work = BBC News | access-date = 16 July 2008 | date=29 April 2007}}</ref>

[[File:Poole Bay.jpg|thumb|[[Poole Bay]] and the beaches of Poole and [[Bournemouth]].]]
Poole has several [[urban park]]s – the largest is [[Poole Park]] adjacent to [[Poole Harbour]] and the town centre. It opened in 1890 and is one of two [[Victorian era|Victorian]] parks in Poole. Designated a [[Conservation Area]] in 1995 and awarded a [[Green Flag Award|Green Flag]] in 2008, the park comprises {{convert|44.3|ha|acre}} of which {{convert|24|ha|acre}} include the park's human-made lake and ponds.<ref name="park">{{cite web | url = http://boroughofpoole.com/facilities/ref:F46CEFE6047230/ | title = Poole Park | publisher = Borough of Poole | year = 2007 | access-date = 10 June 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080719195753/http://www.boroughofpoole.com/facilities/ref:F46CEFE6047230/ | archive-date = 19 July 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The park contains two children's play areas, a [[Poole Park Railway|miniature railway]], tennis courts, a [[bowling green]], a [[miniature golf]] course, an Italian restaurant and an indoor ice rink for children.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/dorset/5382834.stm | title = £2m Transformation of park begins | work = BBC News | access-date = 10 June 2008 | date=26 September 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/leisure/services/ref:S464DCE8B56C24/cf4orce:D46793E79BC147/ | title = Poole Park Lake | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 16 July 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080709064407/http://www.boroughofpoole.com/leisure/services/ref:S464DCE8B56C24/cf4orce:D46793E79BC147/ | archive-date = 9 July 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref> A [[cricket field]] and pavilion at the eastern end are home to Poole Town Cricket Club and water sport activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and rowing take place on the large lake.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.poolepark.com/ | title = Rockley at Poole Park | publisher = Rockley Watersports | access-date = 16 July 2008}}</ref> A [[war memorial]] stands in the centre of the park as a monument to Poole citizens killed during the [[World War I|First]] and [[Second World War]]s. The park hosts several [[Road running|road races]] such as the [[Race for Life]] and the annual Poole Festival of Running.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2311828.0.hundreds_run_in_park.php | title = Hundreds run in park | publisher = [[Bournemouth Daily Echo]] | access-date = 10 June 2008}}</ref>

Poole's sandy beaches are a popular tourist destination extending {{convert|3|miles|km}} along [[Poole Bay]] from the [[Sandbanks]] peninsular to Branksome Dene Chine at the border with [[Bournemouth]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.world-guides.com/ | title = Poole Tourist Attractions and Poole Sightseeing | publisher = World Guides | access-date = 18 July 2008}}</ref><ref name="beach">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46406b698a839&ref=S464DAE039BD1A | title = Beach Information – General | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 16 July 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110708084310/http://boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46406b698a839&ref=S464DAE039BD1A | archive-date = 8 July 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The beaches are divided into four areas: Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs Chine and Branksome Chine. Poole's beaches have been awarded the [[Blue Flag beach|European Blue Flag]] for cleanliness and safety 21 times since 1987, more than any other British seaside resort and in 2000 the [[Keep Britain Tidy|Tidy Britain Group]] resort survey rated Poole's beaches among the top five in the country.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/ref:N484D13342BC8E/ | title = Poole's Blue Flag Beaches 'Come of Age' | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 16 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.dorsetbeaches.co.uk/poole/sandbanks2/ | title = Dorset Beaches | publisher = [[Newsquest]] | access-date = 16 July 2008 | archive-date = 18 June 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080618093300/http://www.dorsetbeaches.co.uk/poole/sandbanks2/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> Along the seafront, there are seaside cafés, restaurants, beach huts and numerous water-sports facilities.<ref name="beach"/> [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution]] Beach Rescue [[lifeguards]] patrol the coastline in the busy summer season between May and September.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you/find_a_beach/beachregion | title = RNLI near you | year = 2008 | publisher = [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution]] | access-date = 30 July 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081006212007/http://rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you/find_a_beach/beachregion | archive-date = 6 October 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

==Religious sites==
{{Main|List of churches in Poole}}
[[File:St James' Church, Poole.JPG|thumb|upright|The [[St James' Church, Poole|Parish Church of St. James]], built in 1819.]]
Poole falls within the [[Church of England]] [[Diocese of Salisbury]] and the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth]]. Poole has many sites of [[Christian Church|Christian worship]] including five Grade II* and five Grade II [[Listed building|listed]] churches, but no notable sites of worship for any other [[major religious groups]]. The Grade II* [[St James' Church, Poole|St James' Church]] is a simplified [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] style [[Church of England parish church]] in the Old Town which was rebuilt in 1820. The previous church on the site was first mentioned in documents from 1142 and had been extensively rebuilt in the 16th century, but in 1819 it was deemed structurally unsafe by a surveyors report.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1217470&resourceID=5 | title = Listed buildings online: Church Of St James | year = 2008 | publisher = [[English Heritage]] | access-date = 24 August 2008}}</ref> The [[United Reformed Church]] hall, also in the town centre, is a Grade II* building built in 1777. The other Grade II* churches are: St. Peter's Parish Church in [[Parkstone]] which was first built in 1833 and replaced in 1876; [[St Dunstan of Canterbury Orthodox Church]], also in Parkstone, an [[Antiochian Orthodox Church|Antiochian Orthodox]] church, formerly the [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] Church of St Osmund, in a [[Neo-Byzantine style]] building; and the [[St Aldhelm's Church, Poole|Parish Church of St. Aldhelm]] in [[Branksome, Dorset|Branksome]], built by the architects [[George Frederick Bodley|Bodley]] and [[Thomas Garner|Garner]] in 1892 in the Gothic Revival style.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1266563&resourceID=5 | title = Listed buildings online: Church Of St Aldhelm | publisher = [[English Heritage]] | year = 2008 | access-date = 24 August 2008}}</ref> Described by [[English Heritage]] as "one of Poole's most important landmarks", the [[Gothic Revival]] church of [[St Mary's Church, Longfleet|St Mary's]] in [[Longfleet]], built in 1833, is one of Poole's Grade II listed churches.<ref name="NHLE">{{National Heritage List for England |num= 1217494|desc= Church of St Mary, Longfleet|access-date=11 September 2012}}</ref> There are also two [[Christadelphian]] meeting halls in the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchristadelphians.org.uk/info.asp?act=region&id=22|title=History|work=Find your local Christadelphians - Dorset|year=2017|publisher=ukchristadelphians.org.uk|access-date=29 January 2018|archive-date=23 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123134747/http://ukchristadelphians.org.uk/info.asp?act=region&id=22|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Sport and recreation==
[[Poole Harbour]] and [[Poole Bay]] are popular areas for recreational pursuits such as: sailing, [[windsurfing]], [[surfing]], [[kitesurfing]] and [[water skiing]].<ref name="recreation">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.phc.co.uk/downloads/channeldeepening/es13_recreation.pdf | title = Recreation and leisure | publisher = Royal Haskoning | access-date = 29 June 2008}}</ref> The harbour's large areas of sheltered waters attract windsurfers, particularly around the northern and eastern shores. Water skiing takes place in the harbour in a specially designated area known as the Wareham Channel. The waters around the harbour, Poole Bay and [[Studland Bay]] are also popular for recreational angling and diving.<ref name="recreation"/>

The beaches at [[Sandbanks]] are often used for sporting events such as the Sandbanks Beach Volleyball Festival, and the annual British [[Beach polo]] Championship.<ref>{{cite news | date= 2 May 2010 | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8656931.stm | title = Sandbanks to get new summer beach festival | work = BBC News | access-date = 30 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/news/ref:N47B56F3E20999/ | title = Beach Polo Comes to Sandbanks | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 29 June 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080708232914/http://www.boroughofpoole.com/news/ref:N47B56F3E20999/ | archive-date = 8 July 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Since 1999, the town's Rossmore Leisure Centre has hosted the GMPD Poole Gymnastics Competition every October with the Holiday Inn Express hosting some of the competitors as well as previously a Disco on the Saturday evening which has since been scrapped, hundreds of competitors from across the country compete each year, the competition celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} Following a 2-year hiatus due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] it is hoped it will return in 2022.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

===Sailing===
Poole Harbour is one of the largest centres for sailing in the UK with a number of [[yacht club]]s such as the: East Dorset Sailing Club, Lilliput Sailing Club, Parkstone Yacht Club, Poole Yacht Club, Sandbanks Yacht Company and the Royal Motor Yacht Club.

Parkstone Yacht Club hosted the [[OK (dinghy)|OK Dinghy]] World Championships in 2004,<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.okdinghy.co.uk/okreslt.html#WorldsResults | title = OK World Championship, 2004 | publisher = International OK Dinghy | access-date = 29 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090105221203/http://www.okdinghy.co.uk/okreslt.html#WorldsResults | archive-date = 5 January 2009 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> the [[J/24]] National Championships in 2006 and the J/24 European Championships in 2007,<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poolej24.co.uk/events/ | title = Upcoming J24 Events | publisher = Poole J/24 | access-date = 29 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080426155144/http://www.poolej24.co.uk/events/ | archive-date = 26 April 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> with the [http://www.j24worlds2020.com/ 2020 J24 Worlds] hosted here also and are the organisers of Youth Week and Poole Week – two of the largest annual dinghy [[regatta]]s of their type in the country.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.pooleweek.co.uk/ | title = 61st Poole Week | publisher = Parkstone Yacht Club | access-date = 29 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.parkstoneyachtclub.com/pageabout.html | title = About the club | publisher = Parkstone Yacht Club | access-date = 29 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080619150850/http://www.parkstoneyachtclub.com/pageabout.html | archive-date = 19 June 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

===Football===
Poole's oldest [[Association football|football]] team is [[Poole Town F.C.]], a [[semi-professional]] team who play in the [[Southern Football League]] – the seventh tier of the [[English football league system]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2011 | url = http://www.southern-football-league.co.uk/directory/south-and-west.asp?section=club-directory | title = Poole Town | publisher = [[Southern Football League]] | access-date = 29 November 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120415073409/http://www.southern-football-league.co.uk/directory/south-and-west.asp?section=club-directory | archive-date = 15 April 2012 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Established in 1880, the team has had erratic success at their level; they have never risen above [[Non-League football|non-League]] levels but once reached the third round of the [[FA Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |url=http://www.poole-town.fsnet.co.uk/honours.htm |title=Honours |publisher=Poole Town F.C. |access-date=10 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821125211/http://www.poole-town.fsnet.co.uk/honours.htm |archive-date=21 August 2008 }}</ref> They played at [[Poole Stadium]] until 1994 and have since settled at Tatnam Farm, sharing the school playing field with Oakdale Junior School.<ref name="rec">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2008/4/3/137185.html | title = Poole plan move to Branksome Rec | publisher = [[Dorset Echo]] | access-date = 29 June 2008 | df = dmy-all }}{{dead link|date=July 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Poole's other football teams are [[Hamworthy United]], formed in 1970, and play in the Wessex Premier League, and the amateur team Poole Borough F.C. who play in the [[Dorset Premier League]]. Poole is one of the largest towns in England without a professional football team.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/28/knowledge | title = The Knowledge | work = The Guardian | access-date = 29 June 2008 | location=London | first=John | last=Ashdown | date=28 May 2008}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:Poole Stadium grandstand.jpg|thumb|right|[[Poole Stadium]] is a [[greyhound racing]] venue and home to the [[Poole Pirates]] speedway team]]
Poole's [[motorcycle speedway]] team, the [[Poole Pirates]], were established and began racing at Poole Stadium in 1948 in the [[Speedway National League Division Three|National League Division Three]]. The team now races in the top tier of league racing (the [[Elite League (speedway)|Elite League]]) which they won in [[2008 Elite League speedway season|2008]], [[2011 Elite League speedway season|2011]], [[2013 Elite League speedway season|2013]], and  [[2014 Elite League speedway season|2014]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Bamford | first = Robert |author2=Shailes, Glynn | title = 50 Greats: Poole Pirates | publisher = [[Tempus Publishing]] | year = 2004 | page = 58 | isbn = 0-7524-3257-5}}</ref> Poole Stadium is also a venue for [[greyhound racing]]; race nights occur three days a week throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.stadiauk.com/poole.php | title = Poole Greyhounds | publisher = Stadia UK | access-date = 29 June 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080702150645/http://www.stadiauk.com/poole.php | archive-date = 2 July 2008 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

===Scouting===
Poole has three of the oldest [[Scout Association]] groups in the world, 1st Parkstone Air Scout Group holds records dating back to February 1908 and 1st Hamworthy Scout Group has records dating back to October 1908; both groups were formed out of the original [[Boys' Brigade]] units that had members take part in the original Scout Camp in 1907. Broadstone Group has records dating back to December 1908 and was home to the first King's/[[Queen's Scout]].<ref>http://www.poolescouts.org and www.hamworthyscouts.org and books: History of Hamworthy by Ann Smeaton & 1st Hamworthy Scouts the 1st 100 years by James Winchester</ref>

===Nature parks===
Working with the [[Dorset Wildlife Trust]], Poole Council has opened two nature parks:
* [[Holes Bay Nature Park]], opened in 2015, includes [[Upton Country Park]]. The bay is an important feeding and roosting site for wetland birds.
* [[Corfe Barrows Nature Park]], opened in 2016, is a group of eight natural sites, including Happy Bottom Nature Reserve, that is being jointly managed for wildlife and people in the north of the borough.

===Walking===
Poole Tourism has developed and [[waymarked]] a number of trails and circular walks, collectively called the [[Poole Harbour Trails]].<ref>[http://www.pooleharbourtrails.org.uk/index.html ''Poole Harbour Trails''] at www.pooleharbourtrails.org.uk. Retrieved 6 January 2017.</ref>

===Cycling===
Poole has over {{convert|50|miles|km}} of cycle network, including the [[Castleman Trailway]], the [[Poole Heritage Cycle Route]] and the [[Bourne Valley Greenway]].<ref>[http://www.pooletourism.com/todo/todo/ref:T4B9E43EE53B39/ ''Cycling''] at www.pooletourism.com. Retrieved 6 January 2017.</ref>

==Culture==
[[File:PooleCentrePan1.jpg|thumb|[[The Lighthouse (Poole)|The Lighthouse Arts Centre]] in Poole is the largest arts centre in England outside London.]]
The '[[Beating the bounds|Beating of the bounds]]' is an ancient annual custom first carried out in 1612, which revives the traditional checking of the sea boundaries awarded to Poole by the [[Cinque Ports|Cinque Port]] of [[Winchelsea]] in 1364.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rotaryclubofpoole.org/pages/seabounds.htm | title = Beating the Poole Sea Bounds | publisher = Poole Rotary Club | year = 2008 | access-date = 4 August 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080708183423/http://www.rotaryclubofpoole.org/pages/seabounds.htm | archive-date = 8 July 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.winchelsea.net/visiting/winchelsea_history_pt14.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070228112313/http://www.winchelsea.net/visiting/winchelsea_history_pt14.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 28 February 2007 | year = 2008 | title = The history of Winchelsea | publisher = Winchelsea Community Office | access-date = 30 August 2008 }}</ref> The Admiral of the Port of Poole (the mayor) and other dignitaries, and members of the public sail from the mouth of the [[River Frome, Dorset|River Frome]] to [[Old Harry Rocks]] to confirm the mayor's authority over the water boundaries of the harbour and check for any encroachments. As there are no physical landmarks that can be beaten at sea, traditionally children from Poole were encouraged to remember the bounds of their town by taking part in the 'Pins and Points' ceremony involving the beating of a boy and pricking of a girl's hand with a needle. In modern times, the acts have been symbolically carried out.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/ref:848/ | title = Beating of the Bounds of Poole Harbour | publisher = Borough of Poole | year = 2000 | access-date = 4 August 2008}}</ref>

Poole's ''Summertime in the South'' is an annual programme providing various events on Poole Quay and Sandbanks from May until September. During June and July, live music, street entertainment and a large firework display take place on Poole Quay every Thursday evening. In August, the entertainment moves to the beaches at Sandbanks.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&keywords=summertime%20south&ref=I483D7CC4E5B91 | title = Summertime in the South Events | publisher = Poole Tourism | year = 2008 | access-date = 4 August 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110715103542/http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&keywords=summertime%20south&ref=I483D7CC4E5B91 | archive-date = 15 July 2011 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

Built in 1978, Poole's [[The Lighthouse (Poole)|Lighthouse]] is an arts centre complex that contains a cinema, [[concert hall]], [[studio]], theatre, image lab and media suite and galleries featuring exhibitions of contemporary photography and modern [[digital art]]. The venue underwent an £8.5&nbsp;million refurbishment in 2002, paid for by the [[Arts Council England]], the Borough of Poole and private donations.<ref>{{cite web|year=2003 |url=http://www.a-m-a.co.uk/new/message_venue.asp |title=Conference Location |publisher=Arts Marketing Association |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703211409/http://www.a-m-a.co.uk/new/message_venue.asp |archive-date=3 July 2013 }}</ref> The centre's concert hall has been the residence of the [[Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra]]'s main concert series since their former base at the Bournemouth Winter Gardens closed in 1985.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bsolive.com/orchestra/history/historydetail.htm?decadeid=57587 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110922172034/http://www.bsolive.com/orchestra/history/historydetail.htm?decadeid=57587 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 22 September 2011 | year = 2008 | title = History: 1980s – USSR to USA | publisher = [[Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra]] | access-date = 28 September 2008 }}</ref> Situated in the centre of the Old Town, [[Poole Museum]] illustrates the story of the area and its people and the collections reflect the cultural, social and industrial history of Poole. Displays include the [[Poole Logboat]] and a detailed history of Poole from the [[Iron Age]] to the present day. The museum has a floor devoted to the history of [[Poole Pottery]] and some of the company's products are on display. Entrance to the museum is free.<ref name="Poole Borough Council">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/servicetitles.asp?id=FA99C0E67A584A&title=Poole+Museum | title = Poole Museum | publisher = Poole Borough Council | access-date = 19 July 2007 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070808202848/http://www.boroughofpoole.com/servicetitles.asp?id=FA99C0E67A584A&title=Poole+Museum | archive-date = 8 August 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Poole Museum was closed for refurbishment with plans to reopen in 2024.<ref>{{cite news  |date=6 January 2022 |title=Poole Museum goes on tour during renovation work |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-64177307 |work=BBC News |access-date=6 January 2022}}</ref>

==Transport==

===Roads===
[[File:Dorset transport.png|thumb|The main transport features in Dorset]]
The [[A350 road]] is Poole town centre's main arterial road, running north along Holes Bay and on to the [[A35 road|A35]], and as a [[single carriageway]] to [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], [[Bristol]] and the [[M4 motorway]] although faster access to the motorway may also be gained via the [[A34 road (England)|A34]] at [[Newbury, Berkshire|Newbury]]. To the east, the [[A337 road]] leads to [[Lymington]] and the [[New Forest]].

The A35 [[trunk road]] runs from [[Devon]] to [[Southampton]] and connects to the [[A31 road|A31]] on the outskirts of the town. The A31, the major trunk road in central southern England, connects to the [[M27 motorway]] at Southampton. From here the [[M3 motorway (Great Britain)|M3 motorway]] leads to London.

[[Poole Bridge]], a narrow [[bascule bridge]] constructed in 1927, connects the town centre and Hamworthy. Approval for a second bridge was given by the [[Department for Transport]] in 2006 and the £37&nbsp;million [[Twin Sails bridge]] was completed in 2012.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/dorset/4783115.stm | title = Twin bridge is given the go-ahead | work = BBC News | access-date = 10 December 2007 | date=11 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-20769750 | title = £37m Poole Twin Sails Bridge 'glitches' defended | work = BBC News | access-date = 4 April 2017 | date=19 December 2012}}</ref>

A road link to [[Studland]] and the [[Isle of Purbeck]] across the narrow entrance of Poole Harbour is provided by the [[Sandbanks Ferry]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/07/16/sandbanks_ferry_feature.shtml | title = Working on the chain gang | publisher = BBC | year = 2008 | access-date = 25 September 2008}}</ref> Poole is also home to the [[Poole Heritage Cycle Route]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pooletourism.com/things-to-do/activities/cycling-in-poole|title=Cycling and Cycling Routes in Poole|website=Poole|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref>

The A35, continuing as the [[A338 road|A338]] from the County Gates Gyratory, connects Poole to Bournemouth then continues north to [[Salisbury]].

===Buses===
Bus routes are operated by the following providers:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Poole Bus Services |work=Bus Times |date=2023 |access-date=1 August 2024 |url= https://bustimes.org/localities/poole-dorset |quote=}}</ref>

* [[Morebus]], which is based at the town's bus station; along with its predecessor, [[Wilts & Dorset]], it has served Poole since 1983. It operate routes across Poole, [[Bournemouth]], [[Christchurch, Dorset|Christchurch]] and [[Salisbury]], in addition to operations on the [[Isle of Purbeck]] and the [[New Forest]].
* [[Damory Coaches]], a subsidiary of Morebus, operates the X8 to [[Blandford Forum]].
* [[First Hampshire & Dorset]]'s X54 service runs along a {{convert|32|mi|km|adj=on}} route along the [[Jurassic Coast]] to [[Wareham, Dorset|Wareham]], [[Wool, Dorset|Wool]], [[Lulworth Cove]] and [[Weymouth, Dorset|Weymouth]].
* [[National Express Coaches]] operates frequent departures to London's [[Victoria Coach Station]]. There are also direct services to the [[English Midlands|Midlands]], the [[North of England]] and to [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]] and [[Gatwick Airport|Gatwick]] airports.

===Railway===
[[File:Poole railway station 2005-07-16 08.jpg |thumb|Poole station]]
There are four railway stations in the Poole area; all are stops on the [[South West Main Line]] which links {{rws|London Waterloo}} and {{rws|Weymouth}}. From east to west, these are {{rws|Branksome}} (near the border with Bournemouth), {{rws|Parkstone}}, {{rws|Poole}} (in the town centre) and {{rws|Hamworthy}}.

Services are operated by [[South Western Railway]] and generally consist of up to three trains per hour (fast, semi-fast and stopping services) to and from London, with two per hour to and from Weymouth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timetables |work=South Western Railway |date=2 June 2024 |access-date=1 August 2024 |url= https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/timetables |quote=}}</ref>

===Ferries===
Poole is a [[English Channel|cross-Channel]] port for passengers and freight. Ferry services from [[Poole Harbour]] to [[Cherbourg]] and to [[Saint-Malo]] via [[Guernsey]] are provided by [[Brittany Ferries]], who operate one-round trips per day using the [[MV Barfleur|''Barfleur'']] to Cherbourg.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2013 | url = http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferries-france/poole-france| title = Poole to France ferries | publisher = [[Brittany Ferries]] | access-date = 11 December 2013}}</ref> and regular sailings to Saint-Malo via Guernsey using the [[HSC Condor Voyager|''Condor Voyager'']].<ref>{{cite web |title= Brittany Ferries unveils 2025 summer schedule between Guernsey, UK and France|url=https://channeleye.media/brittany-ferries-unveils-2025-summer-schedule-between-guernsey-uk-and-france/|publisher=Channel Eye|date=22 November 2024|access-date=20 April 2025}}</ref>

Ferries to [[Jersey]] are operated by [[DFDS Seaways]] using the [[HSC Levante Jet|''Levante Jet'']].<ref>{{cite web |title=New fast ferry which will run Poole route arrives in Jersey|url=https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2025/04/17/new-fast-ferry-which-will-run-poole-route-arrives-in-jersey/ |publisher=Jersey Evening Post|date=17 April 2025|access-date=20 April 2025}}</ref>

===Air===
[[Bournemouth Airport|Bournemouth International Airport]] is located in [[Hurn]], on the periphery of Bournemouth; it is sited {{convert|10|mi|km|}} away from Poole town centre.<ref name="profile"/> [[Ryanair]], [[easyJet]] and [[TUI Airways]] operate from the airport and provide scheduled services to destinations in the UK and Europe.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2017 | url = http://www.bournemouthairport.com/flight-information/flight-operators/ | title = Flight operators | publisher = [[Bournemouth Airport]] | access-date = 4 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170401190833/http://www.bournemouthairport.com/flight-information/flight-operators/ | archive-date = 1 April 2017 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

==Education==
{{Further|List of schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole}}
{{Update|section|date=May 2020}}
Poole has eleven [[infant school]]s, seven [[junior school]]s, ten [[primary school]]s, nine [[Secondary school#United Kingdom|secondary schools]], three [[special school]]s, five [[Private schools in the United Kingdom|private schools]] and one college of [[further education]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Schools in Poole|url=http://www.poole.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-and-colleges/schools-in-poole/|publisher=Borough of Poole|access-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408171147/http://www.poole.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-and-colleges/schools-in-poole/|archive-date=8 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two of Poole's secondary schools are [[grammar school]]s which maintain a [[selective education]] system, assessed by the [[Eleven-plus|eleven-plus exam]]. [[Poole High School]] is the largest secondary school in Poole with 1,859 pupils.<ref name="local info">{{cite web |year=2024 |title=Poole High School - Gov.uk |url=https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/113907 |access-date=2 April 2024 |publisher=[[Gov.uk]] |df=dmy}}</ref> The [[Bournemouth and Poole College]] attracts over 16,000 students a year and is one of the largest further education colleges in the country and the leading provider of academic and vocational education in Dorset.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/87857/(as)/50785_301133.pdf | title = Ofsted Inspection | publisher = [[Ofsted]] | access-date = 23 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081031014227/http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/%28id%29/87857/%28as%29/50785_301133.pdf | archive-date = 31 October 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> It has two centrally located main campuses in Poole and Bournemouth.

From the 2007 [[General Certificate of Secondary Education]] (GCSE) results, Poole was ranked 18th out of 148 local authorities in England based on the percentage of pupils attaining at least five A* to C grades at GCSE level including English and maths (54.5% compared with the national average of 46.8%).<ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/7180228.stm | title = How different areas performed | work = BBC News | access-date = 23 June 2008 | date=10 January 2008}}</ref><ref name="gcse tables">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/cgi-bin/performancetables/group_07.pl?Mode=Z&No=836&Base=b&Type=LA&Phase=1&Year=07 | archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20091024095009/http%3A//www.dcsf.gov.uk/cgi%2Dbin/performancetables/group_07.pl?Mode%3DZ%26Type%3DLA%26No%3D836%26Base%3Db%26Phase%3D1%26Year%3D07 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 24 October 2009 | title = Secondary School achievement and attainment tables 2007 | publisher = [[Department for Children, Schools and Families]] | access-date = 23 June 2008 }}</ref> [[Parkstone Grammar School]] was the most successful secondary school in Poole for GCSE results in 2007: 100% of pupils gained five or more GCSEs at A* to C grade including English and maths. Canford School also achieved 100% and [[Poole Grammar School]] was the next best performing school with 98%. Poole High School achieved 39% and the worst performing school was [[Rossmore Community College]] where only 19% of students achieved five or more A* to C grade results.<ref name="gcse tables"/> Poole's grammar schools were also the best performing for [[A-level]] results. Poole Grammar School was the 60th most successful school/sixth form in the country in 2007: each student achieved on average 1071.4 points compared to the national average of 731.2. Parkstone Grammar School students averaged 1017.9 points.<ref name="local info"/><ref name="alevel tables">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/cgi-bin/performancetables/group_07.pl?Mode=Z&No=836&Base=a&Type=LA&Phase=2&Year=07 | title = School and college (post-16) achievement and attainment tables 2007 | publisher = [[Department for Children, Schools and Families]] | access-date = 23 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20091014010051/http%3A//www.dcsf.gov.uk/cgi%2Dbin/performancetables/group_07.pl?Mode%3DZ%26Type%3DLA%26No%3D836%26Base%3Da%26Phase%3D2%26Year%3D07 | archive-date = 14 October 2009 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

[[Bournemouth University]] was designated as a university in 1992 and despite its name, the university's main campus (the Talbot Campus) and buildings are within the boundaries of Poole Borough; a smaller campus is situated in Bournemouth itself.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?ref=S46779A7387179&structureID=U46713df2215ff | title = Bournemouth University | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 23 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081201161410/http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46713df2215ff&ref=S46779A7387179 | archive-date = 1 December 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Media courses are the university's strength, and recent teaching quality assessments have resulted in ratings of 'excellent' for courses in the areas of communication and media, business and management, catering and hospitality, archaeology and nursing and midwifery.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/introduction_to_bu/welcome.html | title = Welcome to Bournemouth University | publisher = [[Bournemouth University]] | access-date = 23 June 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080330022422/http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/introduction_to_bu/welcome.html | archive-date = 30 March 2008 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | year = 2008 | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/good_university_guide/article2166314.ece | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081202220753/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/good_university_guide/article2166314.ece | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2 December 2008 | title = Profile: Bournemouth University | work = The Times | access-date = 23 June 2008 | location=London | first1=Charles | last1=Bremner | first2=David | last2=Robertson}}</ref> The [[Arts University Bournemouth]] was designated as a university in 2012 and is located at [[Wallisdown]]. It offers [[Undergraduate degree|undergraduate]], [[foundation degree]], [[Postgraduate education|postgraduate]] and [[further education]] courses in contemporary arts, design and media.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.educationuk.org/pls/hot_bc/bc_profile.page_pls_profile_details?x=842823061811&y=0&a=0&z=6532&sec_id=26&p_lang=31 | title = Arts Institute at Bournemouth | publisher = [[British Council]] | year = 2008 | access-date = 29 August 2008}}</ref>

==Public services==
[[File:Poole Hospital 2.jpg|thumb|[[Poole Hospital]] is the trauma centre for East Dorset.]]
Policing is undertaken by the Poole and Bournemouth Division of [[Dorset Police]] which has one police station in Poole on Wimborne Road in the town centre.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.dorset.police.uk/contact-us/visit-us/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170408081508/https://www.dorset.police.uk/contact-us/visit-us/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 8 April 2017 | title = Visit Us | publisher = [[Dorset Police]] | year = 2017 | access-date = 7 April 2017 }}</ref> [[Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service]] provides [[Fire service in the United Kingdom|statutory emergency fire and rescue services]] for Poole and are based at Poole Fire Station in [[Creekmoor]] which opened in 2008. The former fire station on Wimborne Road was demolished in 2008 and was replaced with a joint fire and police divisional headquarters which opened in 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=3975 | title = Keys to new Joint Emergency Services Building handed over | publisher = [[Dorset Police]] | year = 2009 | access-date = 14 April 2010 | archive-date = 19 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110719011311/http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=3975 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

[[Poole Hospital]] is a large acute hospital in [[Longfleet]] with 638 beds <ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/RD300/reports |title= Poole Hospital| publisher = [[Care Quality Commission]]| year=2016| access-date=7 April 2017}}</ref> and is part of [[University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust]]. It opened in 1969 as Poole General Hospital, replacing Poole's Cornelia Hospital which had stood on the site since 1907.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.poole.nhs.uk/documents/grapevine/Grapevine-Centenary.pdf | title = Poole Hospital Centenary | year = 2008 | publisher = [[National Health Service]] | access-date = 10 August 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081031014230/http://www.poole.nhs.uk/documents/grapevine/Grapevine-Centenary.pdf | archive-date = 31 October 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The hospital is the major [[Emergency department|trauma centre]] for East Dorset and provides core services such as child health and maternity for a catchment area including Bournemouth and Christchurch. Specialist services such as neurological care and cancer treatment are also provided for the rest of Dorset.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.poole.nhs.uk/about-us/what-we-do.aspx | title = What we do | year = 2017 | publisher = [[Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust]] | access-date = 7 April 2017 | archive-date = 21 January 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180121210800/https://www.poole.nhs.uk/about-us/what-we-do.aspx | url-status = dead }}</ref> The [[South Western Ambulance Service]] provides emergency patient transport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcas.nhs.uk/ |title=South Western Ambulance Service |year=2008 |publisher=[[National Health Service]] |access-date=10 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612220743/http://www.wcas.nhs.uk/ |archive-date=12 June 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref>

[[Waste management]] and recycling are co-ordinated by Poole Borough Council in partnership with [[Viridor]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/poole-extends-viridor-waste-and-recycling-contract/ | title =Poole extends Viridor waste and recycling contract| date = 30 July 2014 | publisher = [[Letsrecycle.com]] | access-date = 7 April 2017}}</ref> Locally produced [[inert waste]] is sent to [[landfill]] for disposal. Recycle waste is taken to Viridor's Materials Recycling Facility in [[Crayford]] for processing. Poole's [[distribution network operator]] for electricity is [[Scottish and Southern Energy]]. The water supply and sewerage systems are managed by [[Wessex Water]]; [[groundwater]] sources in Wiltshire and Dorset provide 75% of drinking water, the rest comes from reservoirs fed by rivers and streams.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/About-us/Publications/Code-of-practice---water/ | title = Code of practice | year = 2010 | publisher = [[Wessex Water]] | access-date = 7 April 2017 | format = PDF | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151026032903/http://www.wessexwater.co.uk/About-us/Publications/Code-of-practice---water/ | archive-date = 26 October 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

==Media==
Poole has one local newspaper, the ''[[Bournemouth Daily Echo|Daily Echo]]'', which is owned by [[Newsquest]]. Published since 1900, the newspaper features news from Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Partner/organisation/areapartnerdetails.asp?41 |title=Daily Echo |year=2008 |publisher=Bournemouth Borough Council |access-date=10 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617223748/http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Partner/organisation/areapartnerdetails.asp?41 |archive-date=17 June 2013 }}</ref> Issues are produced Monday through Saturday with an average [[Newspaper circulation|daily circulation]] of 13,579.<ref name=ABC>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.org.uk/Certificates/48621304.pdf |title=Bournemouth – Daily Echo |access-date=7 April 2017 |publisher=[[ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulations UK)|ABC]] |year=2017}}</ref> For local television, Poole is served by the [[BBC South]] studios based in [[Southampton]], and [[ITV Meridian]] from studios in [[Whiteley]]. Local radio stations broadcasting to the town include [[BBC Radio Solent]], [[Greatest Hits Radio South]], [[Heart South]], [[Nation Radio South Coast]], [[Hits Radio Bournemouth & Poole]] and [[The Bay 102.8|Hot Radio]].

==Notable people==
The town has been the birthplace and home to notable people, of national and international acclaim. Former residents include British radio disc jockey [[Tony Blackburn]], the artist [[Augustus John]], [[John Lennon]]'s aunt and parental guardian [[Mimi Smith]], and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' author [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] who lived in Poole for four years during his retirement.<ref name="trivia">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&ref=I4860E2F59A0F1 | title = Poole Knowledge: Facts and Trivia | publisher = Poole Tourism | access-date = 30 June 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110106103253/http://pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&ref=I4860E2F59A0F1 | archive-date = 6 January 2011 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/dorset/6983965.stm | title = Tolkien's home to be demolished | work = BBC News | access-date = 30 June 2008 | date=7 September 2007}}</ref> [[Alfred Russel Wallace]], the 19th-century explorer, naturalist and co-formulator of the theory of [[evolution by natural selection]], moved to Poole in 1902 when he was 78 years old and is buried in Broadstone cemetery.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1999-Wallace's grave|url=https://wallacefund.myspecies.info/1999-wallace-s-grave}}</ref>

Notable people born in Poole include the [[Suede (band)|Suede]] guitarist [[Richard Oakes (guitarist)|Richard Oakes]],
[[Greg Lake]] of the band [[Emerson, Lake & Palmer]], the author [[John le Carré]], the novelist [[Maggie Gee (novelist)|Maggie Gee]], stage actor [[Oswald Yorke]], actress [[Louisa Clein]], cellist [[Natalie Clein]], boxer [[Freddie Mills]], the writer and actor [[David Croft (TV producer)|David Croft]], and [[James Stephen (British politician)|James Stephen]], the principal lawyer associated with the British [[Abolitionism in the United Kingdom|abolitionist]] movement.<ref name="trivia"/> [[Edgar Wright]], the director of films such as ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'', ''[[Hot Fuzz]]'' and [[The World's End (film)|The World's End]] was born in Poole and out of the five previous British winners of the [[Miss World]] title, two have hailed from Poole: [[Ann Sidney]] and [[Sarah-Jane Hutt]].<ref name="trivia"/> [[Harry Redknapp]], the former [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.]] manager, and his son [[Jamie Redknapp]], a former [[England national football team]] player, have owned homes in [[Sandbanks]].<ref name="bbc golden riviera"/><ref>{{cite news| url=http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article1123188.ece| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508022006/http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article1123188.ece| url-status=dead| archive-date=8 May 2009| title=Manager's selection| newspaper=[[The Times]]|access-date=30 September 2010| location=London| first=Fred| last=Redwood| date=23 March 2003}}</ref> Former [[Blue Peter]] presenter [[Katy Hill]] was also born in Poole.<ref>[http://www.myhounslow.co.uk/hounslow/celebs&gossip-media.htm]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060313075912/http://www.myhounslow.co.uk/hounslow/celebs%26gossip-media.htm|date=13 March 2006}}</ref> Molly Kingsbury who competed in the [[2018 Commonwealth Games]] was born in Poole. The actress [[Susannah Fielding]] who featured in [[This Time with Alan Partridge]], was born there.<ref name=fhm>{{cite journal|last1=Medland|first1=Chris|title=Susannah Fielding chats about some stuff|journal=[[FHM]]|date=28 October 2010|url=http://www.fhm.com/girls/news/susannah-fielding---fhm-september-78282|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204044516/http://www.fhm.com/girls/news/susannah-fielding---fhm-september-78282|archivedate=4 February 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Current [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] footballer [[Ben White (footballer)|Ben White]] was born in Poole<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/ben-white/452343/ |title=B. White: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=4 June 2021}}</ref> as was [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] footballer [[Tino Anjorin]]. [[Chad Gould]] currently lives in Poole. Trampolinist [[Isabelle Songhurst]] was born in Poole.<ref>
{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/isabelle-songhurst_1904748|title=Isabelle Songhurst|publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]|website=[[2024 Summer Olympics|Paris 2024]]|url-status=dead|accessdate=2 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730143755/https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/isabelle-songhurst_1904748|archive-date=30 July 2024}}</ref> Hampshire cricketer [[Scott Currie]] and his older brother [[Bradley Currie]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/2085/2085926/2085926.html |title=Bradley Currie |work=Cricket Archive |access-date=23 August 2022}}</ref> were also both born in Poole. [[Mark Santer]], former [[Anglican Bishop of Birmingham]], settled and died in retirement at Poole in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mark Santer |url=https://www.thetimes.com/comment/register/article/births-marriages-and-deaths-w2xnzczxb |access-date=28 August 2024 |work=The Times |date=28 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Right Rev Mark Santer, Birmingham Bishop and vocal critic of the Thatcher government |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2024/09/13/mark-santer-bishop-birmingham-thatcher-church-of-england/ |access-date=13 September 2024 |publisher=The Telegraph |date=13 September 2024}}</ref>

==Twin towns==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in the United Kingdom}}
Poole is [[Town twinning|twinned]] with:
* [[Cherbourg-Octeville|Cherbourg]] in France (since 1977)<ref name="Cherbourg twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.cncd.fr/frontoffice/bdd-region.asp?action=getRegion&id=4#tabs3 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131127063207/http://www.cncd.fr/frontoffice/bdd-region.asp?action=getRegion&id=4 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 November 2013 |title=National Commission for Decentralised cooperation |access-date=26 December 2013 |work=Délégation pour l’Action Extérieure des Collectivités Territoriales (Ministère des Affaires étrangères) |language=fr |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="Archant twinning">{{cite web|url=http://www.completefrance.com/language-culture/twin-towns |title=British towns twinned with French towns |access-date=11 July 2013 |work=Archant Community Media Ltd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705094933/http://www.completefrance.com/language-culture/twin-towns |archive-date=5 July 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="twin">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/your-council/our-partners/twinning/ | title = Twinning | publisher = Borough of Poole | access-date = 5 December 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140711182508/http://www.poole.gov.uk/your-council/our-partners/twinning/ | archive-date = 11 July 2014 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Compton Acres (garden)|Compton Acres]]
*[[List of Dorset beaches]]
*[[List of places in Dorset]]
*[[UK coastline]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

===Bibliography===
* {{Cite book|last1= Beamish |first1= Derek| last2= Hillier | first2= John | last3= Johnstone | first3= H.F.V. | title=Mansions and Merchants of Poole and Dorset|year=1949|publisher=Poole Historical Trust|isbn= 0-7137-0836-0}}
* {{Cite book|last= Cullingford |first= Cecil N.| title=A History of Poole|year=1988| publisher=Phillimore & Co Ltd |isbn= 0-85033-666-X}}
* {{Cite book|last=Legg|first=Rodney |title=The Book of Poole Harbour and Town|year=2005|publisher=Halsgrove|isbn=1-84114-411-8}}
* {{Cite book| last=Sydenham |first=John |title=The History of the Town and County of Poole |publisher=Poole Historical Trust| location= Poole |year= 1986 |orig-year=1839 |isbn= 0-9504914-4-6 |edition= 2nd}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline}}
*{{Wikivoyage inline}}
*[http://www.poole.gov.uk/ Borough of Poole website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516185533/http://www.poole.gov.uk/ |date=16 May 2014 }}

{{Dorset}}
{{SW England}}
{{Former unitary authorities of England}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Poole| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:Seaside resorts in England]]
[[Category:Towns in Dorset]]
[[Category:Former unitary authority districts of England]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Dorset]]
[[Category:Unparished areas in Dorset]]
[[Category:Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in South West England]]
[[Category:Former boroughs in England]]
[[Category:Former non-metropolitan districts of Dorset]]
[[Category:Former civil parishes in Dorset]]