History Of Poole
Poole has a rich and fascinating history through the ages. Trade with Newfoundland from the Tudor times brought the town its prosperity and today the port is still an important asset. With the regeneration of Poole Central Area the town is still continues to prosper.
15th June 2004
Our new Corporate Vision, Mission and Priorities 
was adopted.
1st May 2002
Borough of Poole officially adopt the Leader with a Cabinet structure.
April 2001
Local people were given the opportunity to share their views on the way the Council should be run in future through the 'Who is Jules Jolliffe' campaign.
September 2000
Borough of Poole began a 'Cabinet with Leader' pilot scheme which is similar to the way Parliament works.
July 2000
Government introduced new laws that all councils must change from the traditional Committee system to:
- make decisions quicker
- make it clear who is responsible for decisions
- become modern and more efficient
- involve local people in the decision making process and the delivery of the service
This will alter the way elected councillors meet, consider issues and make decisions on matters that effect Poole residents every day. Three options for change were introduced:
- Elected Mayor & Cabinet
- Leader & Cabinet Elected
- Mayor & Council Manager
1998
Poole celebrated its 750th birthday, marking the date when the Longspee charter was granted.
1st April 1997
Borough of Poole became a unitary authority.
1975
Poole is probably unique in having two charters granted by both Queen Elizabeth. The Charter of Queen Elizabeth II confers Borough status and retention of its historic titles and privileges on the District of Poole created on 1st April 1974.
1940's
Poole was an important landmark as the third largest embarkation point for the D-Day landings, and afterwards as a base for supplies to the allied forces in Europe.
1814
Newfoundland trade collapsed at the end of the wars between Britain and America, and Britain and France. Poole Harbour continued to import flour, meat, timber and skins. China clay mining then came to the Harbour for the Staffordshire potteries.
18th Century
Renowned for its smuggling activities in the 18th century, the most famous raid happened to the Customs House in 1747 which ended in murder and execution!
23rd June 1568
By the Charter of Queen Elizabeth I Poole was created 'one entire County Corporate in deed and name distinct and altogether seperate from the County of Dorset' and named 'the County of the Town of Poole'. The office of Sheriff and Reeve or Queen's Representative of the Shire or County of Poole
Courts were regulated and a recorder and Town Clerk appointed.
1563
Confirmation of the use of the Coat of Arms of Poole
13th April 1364
The Winchelsea Certificate was granted by the Mayor and Barons of the Cinque Port of Winchelsea, confirming Poole's admiralty, jurisdiction and boundaries. The ceremony of Beating of the Water Bounds comes from this charter.
1342
Poole was declared a Borough and has continued to grow in both size and wealth ever since.
1248
The Longspee Charter was granted by William Longspee II for 70 marks enabling him to go on a crusade where he was killed in 1249. Poole obtained the right to appoint a Mayor ('Port Reeve'), to hold its own court in Poole rather than Canford and exemption was granted on certain tolls and customs duties on goods from the Port.
For more information on the history of Poole visit Poole Museum .
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