Poole facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Poole
Town
Twin Sails Bridge, Parish church, Hamworthy Bridge, the Old Town, the Quayside
Flag Coat of arms of the borough council
Motto(s):  "Ad Morem Villae De Poole" "According to the custom of the Town of Poole"
Former Poole unitary authority (dark red) within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (red)
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Constituent country	England
Region	South West England
Ceremonial county	Dorset
Historic county	Dorset
Unitary authority	Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Government
• Type	Charter trustee
• Body	Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Area
• Total	25.05 sq mi (64.88 km2)
Population  (2005 est.)
• Total	151,500
• Density	5,520/sq mi (2,133/km2)
Time zone	UTC0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Postcodes	BH12–17
Area code(s)	01202
ISO 3166-2	GB-POL
ONS code	00HP (ONS) E06000029 (GSS)
OS grid reference	SZ009906
Ethnicity 2011 Census	91.9% White British 3.3% Other White 1.0% South Asian 0.3% Black 3.5% Other

Poole is a lively coastal town and seaport located on the south coast of England. It's part of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area in Dorset. The town is about 21 miles (34 km) east of Dorchester and is right next to Bournemouth on its eastern side. As of mid-2016, Poole had an estimated population of 151,500, making it the second-largest town in Dorset. When combined with Bournemouth and Christchurch, the total population of this larger area is nearly 400,000 people.

Poole's history goes back even before the Iron Age. It became an important port in the 12th century, especially known for trading wool. Later, it had strong trade connections with North America. In the 18th century, Poole was one of Britain's busiest ports. During the Second World War, it was a key starting point for the Normandy landings, a major event in history.

Today, Poole is a popular place for tourists. People visit for its large natural harbour, interesting history, the Lighthouse arts centre, and beautiful Blue Flag beaches. The town also has a busy commercial port. Ferries travel from here across the English Channel to the Channel Islands (like Jersey and Guernsey) and to French towns like Saint-Malo.

Poole is also home to the main office of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which saves lives at sea. The Royal Marines also have a base in the town's harbour. Interestingly, even though they have "Bournemouth" in their names, The Arts University Bournemouth and a big part of Bournemouth University are actually located in Poole. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra also calls Poole home.

Poole's Past: A Journey Through Time

The area where Poole is today has been lived in for at least 2,500 years. Evidence of human activity, like at Hengistbury Head, goes back to the Neolithic period (New Stone Age). Around 300 BC, Celtic-speaking people called the Durotriges moved from hill forts to the land around the River Frome and Poole Harbour. The Romans arrived in Poole during their conquest of Britain in the 1st century. They used an Iron Age settlement at Hamworthy as a supply base.

The town's name, "Poole," likely comes from old words meaning a "pool" or "creek," referring to the harbour.

During the Anglo-Saxon period, Poole was part of the Kingdom of Wessex. It was a fishing base and a safe place for ships heading to the important town of Wareham. Poole faced two big Viking invasions. In 876, Guthrum sailed his fleet through the harbour to attack Wareham. In 1015, Canute started his conquest of England from Poole Harbour.

How Poole Became a Busy Port

After the Norman conquest of England, Poole quickly grew into a busy port as Wareham became less important. The first time Poole was mentioned in writing was in 1196, describing a new chapel in "La Pole." In 1248, the local lord, Sir William Longspée, sold a special document called a charter to the people of Poole. This gave them more freedom from feudal rule and the right to choose their own mayor.

Poole's importance grew, and in 1433, King Henry VI made it a "staple port." This meant it could export wool, and the town was allowed to build a wall for protection. In 1568, Queen Elizabeth I gave Poole even more independence, making it a "county corporate," separate from Dorset's legal control.

During the English Civil War, Poole supported Parliament because of its Puritan beliefs and opposition to King Charles I's taxes. The town avoided major attacks. In 1646, Poole's parliamentary soldiers helped capture the Royalist stronghold at Corfe Castle.

In the 16th century, Poole started successful trade with the North American colonies, especially with the fisheries in Newfoundland. This trade grew because of the demand for fish in Europe. Poole's most successful period was from the early 18th to early 19th century. Ships would sail to Newfoundland with salt, then take dried fish to Europe, and return to Poole with wine and olive oil. Poole had more ships trading with North America than any other English port, bringing great wealth to its merchants. This wealth helped build many of the lovely Georgian mansions and terraced houses you can still see in the Old Town today.

However, after the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, Britain lost its special trading rights with Newfoundland. Other countries could offer cheaper services, and Poole's trade quickly declined.

Poole grew quickly during the Industrial Revolution. By the early 1800s, most workers were involved in harbour activities. But as ships got bigger, Poole's shallow harbour couldn't handle them, and business went to deeper ports like Liverpool. Poole's first railway station opened in Hamworthy in 1847, and then in the town centre in 1872. This greatly reduced the need for coastal shipping.

In the 19th century, tourists started visiting the beaches of southern Dorset. Nearby villages grew and merged to form the seaside resort of Bournemouth. Poole didn't become a resort itself, but it still did well. Bournemouth's rapid growth created a big demand for goods made in Poole.

Poole in Modern Times

During World War II, Poole was the third-largest departure point for the D-Day landings. After the invasion, it became a base for supplies to the Allied forces in Europe. Many landing craft carrying American troops left Poole Harbour for Omaha Beach. The town was also important for developing "Combined Operations" and was a base for US Coast Guard rescue boats.

Some parts of Poole were bombed during the war. After the war, in the 1950s and 1960s, major redevelopment projects took place. Old, run-down areas were replaced with new housing and facilities. Sadly, many historic buildings were pulled down. To protect what was left, a special Conservation Area was created in the town centre in 1975. In 1988, a large explosion in Poole caused 3,500 people to be evacuated, one of the biggest peacetime evacuations in the country since World War II.

How Poole is Governed

Poole is governed by one main local council called Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. This council looks after services for Poole, Bournemouth, and Christchurch. Its main office is in Bournemouth.

Poole's Local Government History

Poole has a long history of local government. It was an "ancient borough" and got its first special document (charter) in 1248. In 1568, Poole was given the right to choose its own sheriff, which made it a "county corporate." This meant it was legally independent from the rest of Dorset.

Over the years, Poole's boundaries grew to include nearby areas like Hamworthy and Parkstone. In 1932, the council built the Poole Civic Centre to be its headquarters.

In 1997, Poole Borough Council became a "unitary authority." This meant it took over all local government responsibilities for Poole, instead of sharing them with Dorset County Council.

However, in 2019, the Poole Borough Council was replaced. Poole, Bournemouth, and Christchurch joined together to form the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council. This new council is also a unitary authority.

Even though Poole no longer has its own separate council, it still has "charter trustees." These are councillors from the Poole area who help keep the town's old traditions and charters alive. They even appoint an honorary mayor and sheriff each year. Poole is one of only fifteen towns in England and Wales that still appoints its own sheriff!

Who Represents Poole in Parliament?

Poole is represented by three Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons. These MPs represent the areas of Poole, Mid Dorset and North Poole, and Bournemouth West.

The Coat of Arms of Poole

The design of Poole's coat of arms comes from a seal used in the late 14th century. The wavy black and gold lines represent the sea, and the dolphin shows Poole's strong connection to the ocean. The scallop shells are a symbol of Saint James. They are linked to his shrine in Spain, which was a popular destination for Christian pilgrims who often left from Poole Harbour long ago.

In 1948, the coat of arms was officially confirmed. Later, in 1976, two "supporters" were added:

• On the left, a gold lion holds a long sword. This represents William Longespee, who gave Poole its first charter in 1248.
• On the right, a dragon comes from the Royal Arms of Queen Elizabeth I. She gave Poole its special "county corporate" status in 1568.

The Latin motto, Ad Morem Villae De Poole, means "According to the Custom of the Town of Poole." This motto also comes from the Great Charter of 1568.

Poole's Location and Natural Beauty

Poole is located on the northern and eastern edges of Poole Harbour, about 97 miles (156 km) west-southwest of London. The oldest part of town, including the historic Old Town and Poole Quay, sits on a piece of land sticking out into the harbour. Much of the land to the east has been created by reclaiming land from the harbour since the mid-20th century.

To the west of Poole are Upton and Corfe Mullen. Across the northern border, near the River Stour, is Wimborne Minster. To the east, Poole meets Bournemouth and areas like Kinson and Parkstone. South of Poole, along the coast, is Poole Bay, which has 3 miles (5 km) of sandy beaches stretching from Sandbanks to Bournemouth.

Areas and Neighbourhoods of Poole

Poole is made up of many different suburbs and neighbourhoods. Many of these were once small villages that became part of Poole as the town grew. Some of these areas include:

• Alderney
• Bearwood
• Branksome
• Canford Cliffs
• Canford Heath
• Hamworthy
• Lilliput
• Longfleet
• Oakdale
• Parkstone
• Sandbanks

Poole's natural environment features lowland heathland to the north and wooded areas with steep valleys (called chines) and coastline to the south. The heathland is home to all six native British reptile species and many rare birds and dragonflies. While much of the heath has been developed, important parts remain and are protected.

Poole Harbour is the largest natural harbour in Europe and the second-largest natural harbour in the world, after Sydney Harbour. It's very important for nature, with salt marshes and mudflats. It's also a vital habitat for many migrating birds. The harbour is quite shallow, with an average depth of only 48 cm (1 ft 7 in), though the main shipping channels are deeper.

The harbour has several small islands. The biggest is Brownsea Island, which is a nature reserve owned by the National Trust. It's famous as the birthplace of the Scouting movement, where the first Scout Camp took place. Britain's largest onshore oil field, Wytch Farm, operates from the south shore of the harbour.

Poole is also a gateway to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its amazing geology and fossil record. The South West Coast Path, England's longest national trail, passes through Poole.

Poole's Climate

Poole has a mild climate because it's on the south coast of England. Temperatures don't change too much between day and night or throughout the year. The warmest months are July and August, and the coolest are January and February. Poole gets less rain than the average for the UK.

Poole's Green Spaces

Poole is surrounded by a "green belt" area. This is a special protected zone designed to stop towns from growing too much and merging into one big city. It also helps protect the countryside and the unique character of smaller communities. This means there are strict rules about building in these areas.

Poole has green belt areas to its north and west, especially near the borders with Purbeck and East Dorset. These areas include rivers, floodplains, and nature reserves like Canford Heathland and Upton Country Park.

People and Population of Poole

Poole is part of the larger South East Dorset conurbation, which has a combined population of over 465,000 people. In the 2011 census, Poole's population was 147,645. The town's population has been growing steadily since the 1960s, mostly because people have moved there, often for retirement.

Most people in Poole are of a White ethnic background. About 95.98% of residents are of White British ethnicity. The largest religion in Poole is Christianity, followed by those who have no religion.

The average house price in Poole is quite high compared to the rest of the UK. This is partly due to areas like Sandbanks, which has some of the most expensive house prices in the world. In fact, a study in 2006 said that Poole was the most unaffordable town to live in the UK.

Population growth in Poole since 1801
Year	1801	1811	1821	1831	1841	1851	1861	1871	1881	1891	1901	1911	1921	1931	1941	1951	1961	1971	1981	1991	2001
Population	6,682	6,752	9,021	9,401	9,901	10,595	12,152	13,710	15,267	20,446	29,068	41,344	50,024	60,527	71,089	83,494	94,598	107,204	117,133	135,066	138,299
% change	–	+1.1	+33.6	+4.2	+5.3	+7	+14.7	+12.8	+11.4	+33.9	+42.2	+42.2	+30	+30	+17.5	+17.5	+13.3	+13.3	+9.3	+15.3	+2.4
Source: A Vision of Britain through Time

Poole's Economy: How People Make a Living

Poole's economy is quite varied. In the 1960s, manufacturing (making things) was very important. Later, in the 1980s and 1990s, the service sector (providing services) grew a lot as more offices moved to the area. Manufacturing is still a key part of Poole's economy, employing about 17% of workers in 2002.

• Sunseeker: This company, based in Poole, is the world's largest privately owned builder of motor yachts. It's also the UK's biggest manufacturer of these boats, employing over 1,800 people.
• Other Manufacturers: Other big manufacturing companies in Poole include Lush (cosmetics), Siemens, and Ryvita.
• Industrial Estates: Poole has many industrial estates, like Nuffield Industrial estate, where different businesses operate.

The service sector is the biggest part of Poole's economy. Many people work in jobs that serve residents or tourists. In the 1970s, Poole attracted businesses from London, including banks like Barclays Bank and American Express Bank.

• Key Service Employers: Other important service sector employers include the national headquarters of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the UK headquarters of Fitness First, Bournemouth University, and Arts University Bournemouth.
• Major Companies: Poole is also home to the headquarters of clothing company Animal and Merlin Entertainments, which is the world's second-largest theme park operator after Disney.

• Shopping: The Dolphin Shopping Centre is Poole's main shopping area and the largest indoor shopping centre in Dorset. It has 110 stores and opened in 1969. A street with shops, bars, and restaurants connects the Dolphin Centre to the historic Old Town and Poole Quay.
• Tourism: Tourism is very important to Poole's economy, bringing in an estimated £158 million in 2002. Poole's Harbour, Quay, and beaches are major attractions.

Poole as a Port

Poole is one of Britain's busiest ports. Since the 1970s, new port facilities and deeper shipping channels have allowed more freight and passenger traffic across the English Channel.

• Cargo: The port handles imports like steel, timber, and grain, and exports like clay and sand.
• Ferries: Commercial ferries regularly travel from Poole to Cherbourg in France, St Malo in Brittany, and the Channel Islands.
• Royal Marines: The Royal Marines have a base called RM Poole in the harbour, which opened in 1954. It's home to the special forces unit, the Special Boat Service.
• Fishing: In 2008, 105 fishing boats were registered to the port, making it one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK. However, the fleet is getting smaller due to rising fuel costs and fishing limits. Many unlicensed boats also offer fishing trips.

Famous Places and Landmarks in Poole

Poole Quay is a popular place to visit, located south of the town centre. It has a mix of old pubs and historic buildings, along with new bars and apartments. While it used to be the busy centre of Poole's shipping industry, most port activities moved to Hamworthy in the 1970s.

• Customs House: This historic building on the quay, built in 1814, is now a restaurant.
• Town Cellars: This medieval warehouse from the 15th century now houses a local history centre.
• Scaplen's Court: Another historic building from the medieval era.
• Boat Trips: During summer, boats regularly leave the quay for cruises around the harbour, to Brownsea Island, the River Frome, and Swanage.
• Public Art: You can see artworks like Sea Music, a large metal sculpture, and a life-size bronze statue of Robert Baden-Powell, who founded the Scout Movement on Brownsea Island.
• Poole Bridge: At the western end of the quay is Poole Bridge, built in 1927.

Poole Guildhall has played many roles in the town's history. Built in 1761, it cost £2,250. It had a market on the ground floor and a courtroom and offices upstairs. It was also used as a church for a short time. During World War II, it was a canteen for American soldiers. After being empty for many years, it was restored and reopened in 2007 as a place for weddings and other civic ceremonies.

Poole Park is the largest urban park in Poole, located next to Poole Harbour and the town centre. It opened in 1890 and is a Victorian park. It has a lake, children's play areas, a miniature railway, tennis courts, and a bowling green. You can also enjoy water sports like sailing and windsurfing on the lake. A war memorial in the park remembers those from Poole who died in the World Wars.

Poole's Sandy Beaches are a very popular tourist spot. They stretch for 3 miles (5 km) along Poole Bay from the Sandbanks peninsula to Branksome Dene Chine. The beaches are divided into four areas: Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs Chine, and Branksome Chine. Poole's beaches have won the European Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety many times, more than any other British seaside resort. Along the seafront, you'll find cafés, restaurants, beach huts, and water-sports facilities. Lifeguards patrol the beaches during the busy summer season.

Places of Worship in Poole

Poole has many Christian churches. The St James' Church in the Old Town was rebuilt in 1820 in a Gothic Revival style. There are other historic churches, including St. Peter's Parish Church in Parkstone and St. Aldhelm's Church in Branksome. St Mary's in Longfleet, built in 1833, is also a notable church.

Sports and Fun Activities in Poole

Poole Harbour and Poole Bay are great places for outdoor activities like sailing, windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing, and water skiing. The sheltered waters of the harbour are perfect for windsurfers. Water skiing takes place in a special area called the Wareham Channel. The waters around the harbour and bay are also popular for fishing and diving.

The beaches at Sandbanks often host sports events, such as the Sandbanks Beach Volleyball Festival and the annual British Beach polo Championship.

Since 1999, Poole's Rossmore Leisure Centre has hosted the GMPD Poole Gymnastics Competition every October. Hundreds of gymnasts from all over the country compete each year.

Sailing in Poole

Poole Harbour is one of the biggest centres for sailing in the UK. There are several yacht clubs here, including the Parkstone Yacht Club and Poole Yacht Club. These clubs host major sailing events, like the J/24 European Championships in 2007. They also organize Youth Week and Poole Week, which are two of the largest annual sailing events for dinghies in the country.

Football in Poole

Poole Town F.C. is Poole's oldest football team, formed in 1880. They are a semi-professional team and play in the Southern Football League. While they have never reached the top professional leagues, they once made it to the third round of the FA Cup. Poole is one of the largest towns in England without a professional football team. Other local teams include Hamworthy United and Poole Borough F.C.

Speedway Racing in Poole

Poole's motorcycle speedway team is called the Poole Pirates. They started racing at Poole Stadium in 1948. The team now competes in the top league, the Elite League, which they won in 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2014. Poole Stadium is also used for greyhound racing several nights a week.

Scouting in Poole

Poole is home to three of the oldest Scout Association groups in the world. The 1st Parkstone Air Scout Group and 1st Hamworthy Scout Group both have records going back to 1908. Members from these groups even took part in the very first Scout Camp in 1907 on Brownsea Island. The Broadstone Group, formed in December 1908, was home to the first King's/Queen's Scout.

Nature Parks in Poole

Poole Council works with the Dorset Wildlife Trust to manage two nature parks:

• Holes Bay Nature Park: Opened in 2015, this park includes Upton Country Park. The bay is a very important place for wetland birds to feed and rest.
• Corfe Barrows Nature Park: Opened in 2016, this park is a collection of eight natural sites, including Happy Bottom Nature Reserve. They are managed to protect wildlife and provide places for people to enjoy nature.

Walking and Cycling in Poole

Poole Tourism has created several walking trails and circular walks, known as the Poole Harbour Trails. Poole also has over 50 miles (80 km) of cycle paths, including the Castleman Trailway and the Poole Heritage Cycle Route.

Poole's Culture and Arts

The 'Beating of the bounds' is an old annual tradition in Poole that started in 1612. It involves checking the sea boundaries that were given to Poole long ago. The Mayor of Poole and other important people sail from the River Frome to Old Harry Rocks to confirm the mayor's authority over the harbour's water boundaries. In the past, children were involved in a ceremony to help them remember the boundaries, but today it's done symbolically.

Poole's Summertime in the South is an annual program of events on Poole Quay and Sandbanks from May to September. On Thursday evenings in June and July, you can enjoy live music, street entertainment, and fireworks on Poole Quay. In August, the fun moves to the beaches at Sandbanks.

The Lighthouse in Poole is the largest arts centre complex in the UK outside London. Built in 1978, it has a cinema, concert hall, theatre, and galleries. It was renovated in 2002. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performs its main concerts here.

Poole Museum tells the story of the area and its people. It has displays about Poole's history from the Iron Age to today, including the Poole Logboat. There's also a section dedicated to the history of Poole Pottery. Entrance to the museum is free, but it is currently closed for refurbishment until Spring 2025.

Getting Around Poole: Transport Links

Roads in Poole

The A350 road is the main road into Poole town centre, heading north towards the A35 and eventually to Bath and Bristol. The A35 trunk road runs from Devon to Southampton and connects to the A31 on the edge of town. The A31 is a major road that connects to the M27 motorway at Southampton, which then leads to London via the M3.

Poole Bridge, built in 1927, connects the town centre and Hamworthy. A newer bridge, the £37 million Twin Sails bridge, was finished in 2012 to help with traffic. The Sandbanks Ferry provides a road link to Studland and the Isle of Purbeck across the narrow entrance of Poole Harbour.

Buses in Poole

Bus services in Poole are mainly run by Morebus, which has been serving the town since 1983. They operate routes across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and beyond. National Express Coaches also offers frequent services to London and other major cities, as well as to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Trains in Poole

There are four railway stations in the Poole area: Branksome, Parkstone, Poole (in the town centre), and Hamworthy. All of these stations are on the South West Main Line, which connects London Waterloo and Weymouth. Trains are operated by South Western Railway, with regular services to London and Weymouth.

Ferries from Poole

Poole is a busy cross-Channel port for both passengers and freight.

• Brittany Ferries operates daily ferry services from Poole Harbour to Cherbourg in France.
• Condor Ferries offers seasonal fast ferry services to Guernsey, Jersey, and St. Malo in Brittany.

Air Travel from Poole

Bournemouth International Airport is located about 10 miles (16 km) from Poole town centre. Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI Airways operate from here, offering flights to destinations in the UK and Europe.

Education in Poole

Poole has many schools, including infant, junior, primary, and secondary schools. It also has three special schools and five private schools.

• Grammar Schools: Two of Poole's secondary schools are grammar schools, which means students need to pass an eleven-plus exam to get in.
• Poole High School: This is the largest secondary school in Poole, with 1,859 students.
• Bournemouth and Poole College: This college attracts over 16,000 students each year. It's one of the biggest further education colleges in the country and a leading provider of academic and vocational education in Dorset. It has campuses in both Poole and Bournemouth.

In 2007, Poole was ranked 18th out of 148 local areas in England for its General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) results. This was based on the percentage of students who achieved at least five A* to C grades, including English and maths. Parkstone Grammar School and Poole Grammar School were among the top-performing schools in Poole for GCSE and A-level results.

• Bournemouth University: Although it's called Bournemouth University, its main campus (Talbot Campus) is actually located within Poole. It's known for its media courses.
• Arts University Bournemouth: This university, located in Wallisdown, offers courses in contemporary arts, design, and media.

Public Services in Poole

Emergency Services

• Police: Policing in Poole is handled by the Poole and Bournemouth Division of Dorset Police.
• Fire and Rescue: The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service provides fire and rescue services for Poole. The main fire station is in Creekmoor.

Healthcare

Poole Hospital is a large hospital in Longfleet with 638 beds. It's part of the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. It opened in 1969 and is the main trauma centre for East Dorset. It also provides important services like child health and maternity care for the wider area, including Bournemouth and Christchurch. The South Western Ambulance Service provides emergency patient transport.

Other Services

• Waste Management: Waste and recycling services are managed by Poole Borough Council in partnership with Viridor.
• Electricity: The electricity supplier for Poole is Scottish and Southern Energy.
• Water: Water supply and sewerage systems are managed by Wessex Water.

Media in Poole

Poole has one local newspaper, the Daily Echo. It has been published since 1900 and covers news from Poole, Bournemouth, and the surrounding area. For local television, Poole is served by BBC South and ITV Meridian. Local radio stations include BBC Radio Solent, Greatest Hits Radio South, and Heart South.

Famous People from Poole

Many notable people have been born or lived in Poole.

• Musicians: Richard Oakes from the band Suede and Greg Lake from Emerson, Lake & Palmer were born here.
• Authors: The famous spy novelist John le Carré and novelist Maggie Gee were born in Poole. J. R. R. Tolkien, who wrote The Lord of the Rings, lived in Poole for four years.
• Actors and Directors: Stage actor Oswald Yorke, actresses Louisa Clein and Susannah Fielding, and writer/actor David Croft were born here. Director Edgar Wright (known for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) was also born in Poole.
• Sports Stars: Boxer Freddie Mills was born in Poole. Footballers Ben White (Arsenal) and Tino Anjorin (Chelsea) were also born here. Former football manager Harry Redknapp and his son Jamie Redknapp have owned homes in Sandbanks.
• Other Famous People: British radio DJ Tony Blackburn and John Lennon's aunt, Mimi Smith, were former residents. Alfred Russel Wallace, who helped develop the theory of evolution by natural selection, moved to Poole later in his life and is buried in Broadstone cemetery. Two former Miss World winners, Ann Sidney and Sarah-Jane Hutt, are from Poole. Former Blue Peter presenter Katy Hill was also born here.

Twin Towns

Poole is twinned with:

• Cherbourg in France (since 1977)

Images for kids

• 

  Civic Centre, Poole Borough Council's headquarters from 1932–2019.

• 

  Poole sits on Eocene clays.

See also

In Spanish: Poole para niños