Poole 207463 225585959 2008-07-14T12:50:52Z BarretBonden 6149469 /* Demography */ population % change {{Infobox UK place | official_name=Poole | local_name= | country=England | region=South West England | static_image= | static_image_caption= | area_footnotes= | area_total_sq_mi= | area_total_km2= | population=138,288<ref name="census">{{cite web | title = Census 2001 | work = [[Office for National Statistics]] | date = 2001 | url = http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/pyramids/printV/00HP.asp | accessdate = 2008-05-30 }}</ref> | population_density= | os_grid_reference=SZ014910 | map_type= | latitude=50.71942 | longitude=-1.98113 | scale= | post_town=POOLE | postcode_area=BH | postcode_district=BH12-17 | dial_code=01202 | constituency_westminster=[[Mid Dorset and North Poole (UK Parliament constituency)|Mid Dorset and North Poole]]<br />[[Poole (UK Parliament constituency)|Poole]] | civil_parish= <!-- you can use the template {{mi to km|(enter data)|precision=0}} to help convert miles to km automatically; both are displayed --> | london_distance={{mi to km|111|precision=0}} | metropolitan_borough= | metropolitan_county= | shire_district= | shire_county=[[Dorset]] | unitary_england=[[Poole (borough)|Poole]] | lieutenancy_england= | london_borough= | website=http://www.poole.gov.uk/ | hide_services= }} :''For people with Poole as surname, see [[Poole (disambiguation)]]'' '''Poole''' ({{Audio|en-uk-Poole.ogg|pronunciation}}) is a large coastal [[town]] and [[seaport]] in [[Dorset]] on the south coast of [[England]]. The town is {{convert|20|mi|km|0}} east of [[Dorchester, Dorset|Dorchester]] and [[Bournemouth]] adjoins Poole to the east. The [[Borough]] of Poole was made a [[unitary authority]] in 1997, gaining administrative independence from [[Dorset]] [[County Council]]. The town had a population of 138,288 according to the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 census]], making it the second largest settlement in Dorset. Human settlement in the area dates back to before the [[Iron Age]]. The earliest recorded use of the town’s name was in the 13th century when the town became an important [[port]], prospering with the introduction of the wool [[trade]]. In later centuries the town had important trade links with [[North America]] and at its peak in the 18th century it was one of the busiest ports in [[Great Britain|Britain]]. During the [[Second World War]] the town was one of the departing points for the [[D-Day]] landings of the [[Battle of Normandy|Normandy Invasion]]. Today, the town is a centre of [[sailing]] and [[yachting]], and a popular [[Tourism|tourist]] resort, attracting visitors with its [[history]], [[museum]]s, [[Poole Arts Centre|arts centre]], [[Poole Harbour|harbour]] and its [[Blue Flag beach|Blue Flag]] awarded [[beach]]es. Poole is home to the headquarters of the [[RNLI|Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)]] and the [[luxury yacht]] manufacturer [[Sunseeker]]. The [[Royal Marines]] also have a base in the harbour.<ref name="Royal Marines MOD">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.00h00100400e003002| title = 1 Assault Group RM Poole | publisher = [[Royal Navy]] News| accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> Poole's main [[Poole railway station|railway station]] is a short walk from the town centre, cross channel [[ferry|ferries]] regularly depart from Poole Harbour and the nearest [[Bournemouth International Airport|airport]] is 10 miles away. The main road through the town is the [[A35 road|A35]], linking Poole to the [[A3049 road|A3049]] and the port. Despite their names, Poole is home to [[Bournemouth University]], [[The Arts Institute at Bournemouth]] and the [[Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra]]. Poole has a successful [[motorcycle speedway|speedway]] team, the [[Poole Pirates]], who race at [[Poole Stadium]]. ==Harbour and Quay== {{main|Poole Harbour}} [[Image:Poole Custom House.jpg|thumb|right|The former Government Poole [[Custom House]] on the Quayside of the Harbour and ''Scaplens Court'', now the local history centre]] Poole Harbour, the claimant of the title of second largest natural harbour in the world after [[Sydney Harbour|Sydney]], has been a working port for hundreds of years, though the port has declined in importance in trade as the shallow water cannot take large container ships. Today the port is the home of [[Sunseeker]], manufacturers of luxury yachts, and the departure point for the ferry companies ([[Brittany Ferries]] and [[Condor Ferries]]) to [[France]] and the [[Channel Islands]]. The harbour is noted for its ecology: supporting saltmarsh, mudflats and an internationally important population of wintering waterfowl. Within the harbour lies [[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 first [[Brownsea Island Scout Camp|Scout Camp]].<ref name='Why Brownsea'>{{cite book | last = Woolgar | first = Brian| coauthors = 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> During the [[Second World War]] the quayside and harbour was one of the central departing points for the [[D-Day]] landings of the [[Battle of Normandy|Normandy Invasions]].<ref name="Poole WWII">Poole and World War II, Poole Historical Trust, Derek Beamish, 1980</ref> There is a plan to expand the port and enlarge the capacity and facilities so that larger ships, even cruise ships can dock in Poole. This is all part of the rejuvenation of the town, alongside new developments and amenities including the new town bridge (over to [[Hamworthy]]), which will be built over the next few years.<ref name="BBC News 2">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/4783115.stm| title = Twin bridge is given the go-ahead | publisher = [[BBC]] News| accessdate = 2007-07-19}}</ref> ==History== ===Early History=== [[Image:Poole Logboat.jpg|thumb|The [[Poole Logboat]] in Poole Museum. Made from a single [[oak tree]], it is over 2,000 years old.]] The Poole Harbour area has been inhabited for at least 2,500 years.<ref name="Poole Bay and Purbeck">Poole Bay and Purbeck, 300BC to AD1660, C Cochrane, 1970</ref> The local tribe were the [[Celt]]ic [[Durotriges]] who lived in [[Dorset]] in the [[Iron Age]], particularly around [[Wareham, Dorset|Wareham]], five miles to the west. The earliest significant archaeological find in the harbour itself is the [[Poole Logboat]], a 10 metre boat made from a single [[oak]] tree and dating to 295 [[Common Era|BC]]. At the time the harbour was probably shallower and any settlement would now be under water.<ref name="History of Poole">A History of Poole, Cecil Culluingford, 2003</ref> During the last few centuries before the Roman invasion the Celtic people were moving from the hilltop settlements, such as [[Maiden Castle, Dorset|Maiden Castle]] and [[Badbury Rings]] on the chalk downs to the north, and onto the lower [[vale]]s and heathland around the [[River Frome, Dorset|River Frome]] and [[Poole Harbour]]. It may be this marshy area which gave the local tribe of the area, the Durotriges, "water dwellers", their name.<ref name="Poole Bay and Purbeck">Poole Bay and Purbeck, 300BC to AD1660, C Cochrane, 1970</ref> The Durotriges probably engaged in cross-channel trading at Poole with the [[Veneti (Gaul)|Veneti]], a seafaring tribe from [[Brittany]].<ref name="History of Poole">A History of Poole, Cecil Culluingford, 2003</ref><ref name="Poole Bay and Purbeck">Poole Bay and Purbeck, 300BC to AD1660, C Cochrane, 1970</ref> In the [[Roman invasion of Britain]] in the [[1st century]], Poole was one of a number of harbouring sites along the south coast where the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] landed.<ref name="Poole Bay and Purbeck">Poole Bay and Purbeck, 300BC to AD1660, C Cochrane, 1970</ref> The Romans founded [[Hamworthy]], an area just west of the modern town centre, and continued to use the harbour during the occupation. After the retreat of the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] in [[410]], the native [[Britons (historic)|Britons]] were left to fend for themselves. Trade in the area diminished, though several small settlements continued to thrive. By the [[7th Century]], the [[Anglo-Saxon]] invasion of southern Britain was complete and Poole was included within the newly established [[West Saxon|West Saxon Kingdom]] ([[Wessex]]).<ref name ="Welcome to Poole">{{cite web | title = The Story of Poole | work = | publisher = Welcome to Poole | date = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story1.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-05-23 }}</ref> Poole was used as a base for fishing and a place for ships to anchor on their way to [[Wareham]], which was an important Saxon fortified stronghold. In 876 a [[Viking|Danish Viking]] army captured Wareham but they were besieged and defeated by a Saxon army led by [[Alfred the Great]]. The Danish fleet retreated though Poole Harbour but 120 of their [[longship]]s were sunk in a violent storm off the coast of [[Poole Bay]] and [[Studland]].<ref name ="Alfred">{{cite book | last = Shipley Duckett | first = Eleanor | coauthors = | title = Alfred the Great: The King and His England | publisher = [[University of Chicago Press]] | date = 1956 | pages = 73-74 | isbn = 0226167798}}</ref> The town's name derives from the [[Old English language|Old English]] '''pol''' which was given to people who lived near a small body of water such as a [[stream pool|pool]] or [[pond]]. Variants include Pool, Pole, Poles, Poll, Polle, Polman, and Poolman.<ref name="History of Poole">A History of Poole, Cecil Culluingford, 2003</ref><ref name="Poole Bay and Purbeck">Poole Bay and Purbeck, 300BC to AD1660, C Cochrane, 1970</ref> ===11th to 18th centuries=== [[Image:Poole-Charter-Retouch.jpg|thumb|The Longspee charter, the towns first [[charter]], was granted to Poole in 1248 by the landlord of the area, a [[Crusader]], Sir [[William Longspee]].]] The Viking [[Canute the Great]] and his army invaded and retook control of most of England in 1015. Canute led his fleet to Poole Harbour and occupied [[Brownsea Island]], which he used as a base to raid and [[Looting|sack]] Wareham.<ref>{{cite book | last = Sydenham | first = John | coauthors = | title = The history of the town and county of Poole | publisher = Whittaker | date = 1839 | pages = 69-71 }}</ref><ref name ="Welcome to Poole"/> Poole however remained a small fishing town until the time of the [[Norman Conquest]]. During the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries the [[Maritime trade|maritime]] and [[fishing]] trade of Poole continued to grow. As such, Poole was given its first [[charter]] in 1248 under [[William II Longespée|William Longspee]], [[Lord of the Manor]], a [[knight]] and [[crusader]].<ref name="Poole Bay and Purbeck">Poole Bay and Purbeck, 300BC to AD1660, C Cochrane, 1970</ref> As a result of this charter, Poole obtained the right to appoint a [[Mayor]], to hold its own [[court]] in Poole, and exemption was granted on certain tolls and customs duties on goods from the Port.<ref name="historyof">{{cite web | title = History Of Poole | work = Borough of Poole | publisher = | date = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U464057c6c52db&ref=S4649D38C61551 | accessdate = 2008-05-30 }}</ref> In 1405 a [[France|French]] and [[Spain|Spanish]] fleet burnt Poole to the ground because local [[pirate]] Harry Paye was attacking their trading vessels.<ref name="History of Poole">A History of Poole, Cecil Culluingford, 2003</ref> Afterwards the town grew rapidly into an important port exporting [[wool]] and in 1433 was made [[Staple port|Port of the Staple]] as it had become the biggest port in [[Dorset]].<ref name="Dorset">Dorset: The Complete Guide, Jo Draper, 1996</ref> By then the town had trade links from the [[Baltic region|Baltic]] to [[Spain]]. The town continued to grow in importance despite the effects of [[piracy]] and, in 1571, was made a [[county corporate]]. In the 16th, 17th and 18th century Poole became an important salt centre, with large salt warehouses dominating the waterfront. The saltmasters mansion, ''Salterns House'' still exists in [[Sandbanks]]. In the 17th century transatlantic trade and travel developed and at the start of the 18th century the town was beating rival [[Bristol]] as the busiest port in England.<ref name="History of Poole">A History of Poole, Cecil Culluingford, 2003</ref> ===19th and 20th centuries=== [[Image:Tudor Almshouse Poole.jpg|thumb|left|The Ancient Guild of St George [[Tudor period|Tudor]] [[almshouse]] erected in 1586.]] The town grew rapidly during the [[industrial revolution]] as [[urbanisation]] took place and the town became both an area of mercantile prosperity and of overcrowded poverty. At the turn of the 19th century, nine out of ten workers in Poole were engaged in harbour activities, but as the century progressed ships became too large for the shallow harbour and the port began losing business to the deep water ports at [[Liverpool]], [[Southampton]] and [[Plymouth]]. In 1897, the Haven Hotel in Poole was the site of some of [[Guglielmo Marconi|Marconi]]'s wireless experiments. Marconi was able to receive radio signals in Poole sent from [[Alum Bay]], [[Isle of Wight]], 20 miles away. In the 19th century the [[beach]]es and landscape of south-west [[Hampshire]] and south east Dorset, as well as the [[Isle of Purbeck]] district of Dorset, began to attract [[tourism|tourists]] and the villages to the east of Poole began to grow and merge until the holiday town of [[Bournemouth]] emerged. Growth accelerated and Poole and Bournemouth (along with Christchurch to the east) have become a large conurbation, although the three towns each have their own character. [[Image:Rescue Flotilla One.jpg|thumb|right|Three [[USCG]] cutters moored in Poole Harbour in 1944.]] Poole was the third largest embarkation point for [[D-Day]] with 81 [[landing craft]] leaving Poole Harbour for the Normandy shores.<ref name="Poole WWII"/> Poole was an important centre for the development of [[Combined Operations (United Kingdom)|Combined Operations]] and it was the base for the [[US Coastguard]]’s ‘Rescue Flotilla One’ of sixty [[United States Coast Guard Cutter|cutters]]. The cutters were assigned to each of the D-Day invasion areas, with 30 serving off of the British and Canadian sectors and 30 serving off the American sectors.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2005 | url = http://www.uscg.mil/history/WEBCUTTERS/ResFlot1_Normandy_Photo_Index.html | title = Coast Guard Rescue Flotilla One at Normandy | publisher = US Coast Guard | accessdate = 2008-04-26}}</ref> A US Coastguard [[ensign]] is laid up in St James’s Church in the Old Town area of Poole. There is also a [[Commemorative plaque|plaque]] on the quayside given by men and women of the United States Coast Guard which commemorates these 60 cutters departing for the [[Normandy Invasion]] on [[6 June]] [[1944]], and expresses appreciation for the kindness of the people of Poole to the crews.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.destinationsouthwest.co.uk/main/general/themes_marine.asp | title = Marine and Military | publisher = Destination South West | accessdate = 2008-04-26}}</ref> Poole retains a part of its industrial heritage. The Town Centre retains many of the older buildings put up by the wealthy merchants, such as the 1761 market house and Sir Peter Thompson's 1746 town house designed by [[Bastard brothers|John Bastard]] (in Market Street). Other historic buildings such as the [[mediaeval]] Wool house, ''Scaplen's Court'' and the [[Tudor period|Tudor]] Ancient Guild of [[St George]] [[Tudor period|Tudor]] [[almshouses]] erected in 1586 also survive. However, the town suffered greatly from bombing in [[World War II]] and much of the [[Georgian era|Georgian]] part of the town was redeveloped in the 1960s and 70s. ===Poole Today=== [[Image:ConstructionPoole.jpg|thumb|right|The ''Poole Quarter'', a housing development adjacent to the town centre.]] Building regeneration projects include the demolition of Hamworthy (Poole) [[power station]] in the early 1990s and the redevelopment of the old [[town gas]] gas-works. The latter has become part of the ''Poole Quarter'', a housing project near the town centre, comprising of 512 new homes. Other projects include the renovated [[The Lighthouse (Poole)|arts centre]] and the new [[RNLI]] headquarters. The construction boom was acknowledged in 2007, when the Borough of Poole received an award celebrating the best of the British [[construction]] industry.<ref>[http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/rss/ref:N46BB19105EF82/ Best of British Construction], Borough of Poole News, accessed 10-12-07</ref> A second [[bridge]] is planned to be built to connect the centre of Poole with [[Hamworthy]]. The existing bridge is unsuitable for the traffic flow, as it was constructed in 1926 after the previous bridge, built in 1885, was also considered unsuitable for the growing town.<ref>[http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story4.htm Welcome to Poole, The Bridges of Poole], Accessed 10-12-07</ref> As of November 2007, construction of the bridge has been delayed because of a stalemate between the council and the owners of the land.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/4283182.stm Inquiry into town bridge], [[BBC]] News, Accessed 10-12-07</ref> The £34 million scheme was given approval in 2006 by the [[Department for Transport]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/4783115.stm Twin bridge is given the go-ahead], [[BBC]] News, Accessed 10-12-07</ref> ==Governance== On [[April 1]], [[1997]] the town was made a [[unitary authority]], once again administratively independent from Dorset, after a review of the [[Local Government Commission for England (1992)|Local Government Commission for England]]. The borough became, once again, the ''Borough and County of the Town of Poole'', which recalled its status as a [[county corporate|county of itself]] prior to the implementation of the [[Local Government Act 1888]].<ref name="historyof"/> For [[Elections in the United Kingdom#Regional and local elections|local elections]], 42 [[councillor]]s are elected across 16 [[Wards of the United Kingdom|wards]] in the [[Borough]].<ref name="council">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/directory/categories/ref:C464856B1B191A/aka:Council+Info./ | title = Council Info | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> Local elections take place in a four-year cycle,<ref name="council"/> with the last one taking place in May 2007 resulting in the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservatives]] retaining overall control.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/6622153.stm | title = Poole remains under Tory control | publisher = [[BBC News]] | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> The Council is made up of 25 Conservative and 17 [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] councillors and Poole's Council Leader is Councillor Brian Leverett (Conservative).<ref name="council"/> Poole's [[Sheriff]], just one of fifteen Sheriffs in the country allowed by a Special [[Charter]], is Charles Meachin, a Poole Liberal Democrat Councillor since 1996. The [[Mayor]] is Conservative Councillor Joyce Lavender.<ref name="mayor">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/go.php?structureID=categories&ref=C46447A6F3B29B&aka=Mayor%2C+Sheriff+And+Deputy+Mayor | title = Mayor, Sheriff And Deputy Mayor | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> In 2008, the [[Audit Commission]] rated the Borough of Poole one of the top performing councils in the [[UK]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/rss/ref:N4815A2013C764/ | title = Poole Is Performing Well | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> The council was described as 'improving well' and was given a four star overall performance rating.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/authority.asp?CategoryID=ENGLISH%5E576%5ELOCAL-VIEW%5EAUTHORITIES%5E106640 | title = Poole (Borough and County of the Town of) | publisher = [[Audit Commission]] | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> Poole is represented by two parliamentary [[United Kingdom constituencies|constituencies]] in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]]; [[Poole (UK Parliament constituency)|Poole]] and [[Mid Dorset and North Poole (UK Parliament constituency)|Mid Dorset and North Poole]].<ref name="mps"/> The [[county constituency]] of Mid Dorset and North Poole was created in 1997 and covers the north east of Poole, it also includes [[Wimborne Minster]] and [[Wareham, Dorset|Wareham]] and extends into rural [[Dorset]]. The constituency elects one Member of Parliament; currently [[Annette Brooke]] ([[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]]),<ref name="mps">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/legal/services/ref:S464C4F414E749/cf4orce:D4688D6A5EE4A0/ | title = European elections | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> the Liberal Democrat spokeswomen for [[Department for Children, Schools and Families|Children, Schools and Families]]. At the [[United Kingdom general election, 2005|2005 general election]], the Liberal Democrats won a majority of 5,482 and 48.7% of the vote in Mid Dorset and North Poole. The Conservatives won 36.6% of the vote, [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] 11.6% and the [[United Kingdom Independence Party|Independence Party]] 3.1%.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2005 | url = http://politics.guardian.co.uk/hoc/constituency/0,,-1121,00.html | title = Dorset Mid and Poole North Liberal Democrat Hold| publisher = [[The Guardian]] | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> [[Poole (UK Parliament constituency)|Poole]] is a [[borough constituency]]. The present constituency has existed since 1950, but Poole was previously a [[parliamentary borough]] from 1455 to 1885. [[Robert Syms]] (Conservative) has been the elected Member of Parliament for Poole since 1997.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://politics.guardian.co.uk/person/0,9290,-5087,00.html | title = Robert Syms | publisher = [[The Guardian]] | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> At the 2005 general election, the Conservatives won a majority of 5,988 and 43.4% of the vote in Poole. The Liberal Democrats won 28.6% of the vote, Labour 23.1%, the Independence Party 3.5% and the [[British National Party]] 1.4%.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2005 | url = http://politics.guardian.co.uk/hoc/constituency/0,,-1227,00.html | title = Poole Conservative Hold | publisher = [[The Guardian]] | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> Poole and Mid Dorset and North Poole, and the rest of [[South West England]], and [[Gibraltar]] are in the [[South West England (European Parliament constituency)|South West England constituency]] of the [[European Parliament]].<ref name="mps"/> Poole has been [[Town twinning|twinned]] with the town of [[Cherbourg-Octeville|Cherbourg]] on the coast of [[Normandy]], [[France]] since 1977.<ref name="twin">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/strategic/services/ref:S4688D73CE35DC/aka:Poole+-+Cherbourg+Twin+Towns/ | title = Poole - Cherbourg Twin Towns | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-07}}</ref> ===Coat of Arms and St James=== [[Image:Coat of Arms Poole.jpg|thumb|The [[coat of arms]] of the Borough of Poole]] The first coat of arms were recorded by [[Clarenceux King of Arms]] during the [[heraldic visitation]] of Dorset in 1563.<ref name="coatarms">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/legal/services/ref:S464C3A7A8291A | title = Coat of Arms | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref> The arms were recorded again at visitation in 1623.<ref>[http://uk-genealogy.org.uk/england/Dorset/visitations/p6.html ''Visitation of Dorsetshire'', p.6, (UK Genealogy), accessed [[November 3]], [[2007]]]</ref> In both visitation records the colours of the arms were not recorded. The design originated in a seal of the late 1300s and therefore predated the setting up of the [[College of Heralds]] in 1484 and also the order of [[King Henry V]] in 1417, which disallowed the bearing of arms without authority from the Crown.<ref name="coatarms"/> The wavy bars (black and gold) represented water and the dolphin "the king of the sea", just as the lion represents "king of the beasts". The dolphin was a sign of Poole's maritime interests.<ref name="coatarms"/> The three scallop shells are the symbol of St James and associated with the shrine of [[Santiago de Compostela]] reputed burial place of [[James, son of Zebedee|St James]], [[Twelve Apostles|apostle]] of Jesus Christ. Santiago de Compostela was a popular destination for [[Pilgrimage#Christianity|Christain pilgrims]] departing from Poole Harbour in the [[Middle Ages]].<ref name="coatarms"/> St James is the Patron Saint of the [[St James' Church, Poole|Parish Church]] in the Old Town of Poole. The arms were confirmed by the College of Arms on [[June 19]], [[1948]], with the colours officially recorded for the first time.<ref name="coatarms"/> At the same time the crest, a [[mermaid]] supporting an anchor and holding a cannon ball was granted. The crest had in fact been in use since the eighteenth century.<ref>Geoffrey Briggs, ''Civic and Corporate Heraldry'', London, 1971</ref><ref>W. H. Fox Davies, ''The Book of Public Arms'', 2nd edition, London, 1915</ref><ref>W.C. Scott-Giles, ''Civic Heraldry of England and Wales'', 2nd edition, London, 1953</ref> Following [[Local Government Act 1972|local government reorganisation]] in 1974, the 1948 arms were transferred to the present Poole Borough Council.<ref>The Local Authorities (Armorial Bearings) Order 1974 (1974 No. 869)</ref> In 1976 the borough council received the grant of supporters, the figures on either side of the shield. The supporters were a gift from [[Oscar Murton, Baron Murton of Lindisfarne]], the then [[Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons]] to commemorate his period of service as a [[Councillor]] and [[MP]] for Poole.<ref name="coatarms"/> The supporters refer to Poole's main [[charter]]s, to the left is a gold lion holding a long sword. This represents William Longespee, [[Lord of the Manor]] in 1248 who granted the town's first charter. The other supporter on the right is a [[dragon]] which is derived from the [[Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom|Royal Arms]] of [[Elizabeth I of England|Elizabeth I]] in 1568. The royal dragon is coloured red, but that granted to Poole was altered to gold for heraldic difference. The dragon holds a silver oar. This is part of the civic regalia of the Mayor of Poole, representing his additional title "Admiral of the Port of Poole". Since 1976 the dolphin has been depicted naturalistically rather than heraldically.<ref name="desc">''Description of the coat of arms'', Borough of Poole information sheet, undated</ref> The [[Latin]] [[motto]] - ''Ad Morem Villae De Poole'' means, ''According to the Custom of the Town of Poole'', and comes from the town's 1568 Great Charter. ==Geography== Poole is located on the shores of the [[English Channel]], {{convert|179|km|mi|-1}} west-southwest of [[London]], at {{coor d|50.72|N|1.98|W|region:GB}}. It is famed for its large [[Poole Harbour|natural harbour]], which claims to be the second largest in the world. The town largely lies on the northern and eastern sides of the harbour. Poole merges with several other towns to form the [[South East Dorset conurbation]] which has a combined population of 383,713,<ref>Office for National Statistics, [http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/ssdataset.asp?vlnk=8271&Pos=2&ColRank=1&Rank=224 Census data]</ref> the whole area being sufficiently populous to be one of the major retail and commercial centres in the south of England.[[Image:the.quay.at.poole.arp.jpg|thumb|right|Poole Quay, looking east towards [[Parkstone]]]] The oldest part of the town (including the historic quarter of Poole, the Dolphin Shopping centre and Poole Park) lie to the south of Holes Bay and to the north of Poole Harbour. To the west of Poole is [[Upton, Dorset|Upton]]. Within the northern boundaries of Poole are the settlements of [[Broadstone, Dorset|Broadstone]] and [[Merley]], with [[Wimborne]] lying just across the northern border. Also within the northern boundary is [[Canford Heath]], a new settlement built on an internationally important heathland during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. The remaining heathland is now protected, although still in private ownership. At the eastern edge of Poole, the town abuts [[Bournemouth]] and the settlements of [[Talbot Village]], [[Wallisdown]], [[Kinson]], [[Winton, Dorset|Winton]] and [[Westbourne, Dorset|Westbourne]]. The administrative boundary of Poole also includes the mainly residential areas of [[Parkstone]], Newtown, [[Branksome, Dorset|Branksome]], [[Hamworthy]], [[Oakdale, Dorset|Oakdale]], [[Broadstone]], [[Canford Cliffs]], [[Creekmoor]] and [[Merley]]. The Poole areas of Wallisdown and Talbot Village have a large student population who attend [[Bournemouth University]] which has its administrative area and main campus within the boundaries of Poole. Poole is a gateway to the [[Jurassic Coast]] and is located directly to the east of this {{convert|95|mi|km|sing=on}} section of largely unspoilt coastline recently designated a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref name="jurassiccoast"/> The Jurassic Coast provides a complete geological record of the [[Jurassic period]] and a rich [[fossil record]].<ref>{{cite web| title=The Eocene Cliffs, with Leaf Bed, of Bournemouth, Dorset.| publisher=School of Ocean and Earth Science, Southampton University| first=Ian| last=West| month=August| year=2007| url=http://www.soton.ac.uk/~imw/bourne.htm| accessdate=2007-09-06}}</ref> To the south of Poole along the coast lies [[Poole Bay]]. Along the bay, Poole has {{convert|3|mi|km}} of sandy [[beach]]es that run from [[Sandbanks]] in the west to Bournemouth in the east. The [[South West Coast Path]] stretches for {{convert|630|mi|km|0|lk=on}}, running from [[Minehead]] in [[Somerset]], along the coasts of [[Devon]] and [[Cornwall]] and on to Poole where it ends. The path is the United Kingdom's longest [[Long-distance footpaths in the UK|national trail]], at {{convert|1014|km|mi|0}}.<ref name="SWcoastpath">{{cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/main/walks_content/distancecalculator.cfm | title = Distance Calculator | publisher = [[South West Coast Path]] Association | accessdate = 2007-12-13}}</ref> [[Sandbanks]], a [[peninsula]] forming part of the harbour mouth (to the east of the main town centre) has the fourth highest land value, per square foot, in the world.<ref name="BBCDorset1">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/06/10/sandbanks_property_feature.shtml | title = BBC Dorset - Sandbanks | publisher = [[BBC]] News | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> There are expensive homes both on Sandbanks and the area stretching east from the Harbour the Canford Cliffs area. [[Image:Dorset geology.png|thumb|left|200px|Poole lies on [[Eocene]] clays]] Poole lies on very unresistant [[Tertiary]] beds of [[Eocene]] clays (mainly [[London Clay]] and [[Gault Clay]]), [[sand]]s and [[gravel]]s.<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 = Southampton University | accessdate = 2007-08-14}}</ref> These thin soils support the [[heathland]] habitat surrounding the local area which supports all seven native British [[reptile]] species. The [[River Frome, Dorset|River Frome]] [[estuary]] runs through this weak rock, and its many [[tributary|tributaries]] have carved out a very wide [[estuary]]. At the mouth of the estuary sand [[spit (landform)|spits]] have been deposited turning the estuary into [[Poole Harbour]]. The harbour is very shallow in places and contains a number of islands, notably [[Brownsea Island]]. Britain's largest onshore [[oil field]] operated by [[BP]] operates from [[Wytch Farm]] on the south shore of Poole 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 plc|accessdate=2008-06-27}}</ref> The oil reservoirs extend under Poole Harbour and eastwards from [[Sandbanks]] and [[Studland]] for around {{convert|10|km|mi}} 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]], ISBN 0-75183088-5.</ref> ===Climate=== Poole has a [[temperate]] climate due to its location on the south coast of England with a small variation in daily and annual temperatures. The average annual [[Arithmetic mean|mean]] temperature from 1971 to 2000 was 10.2 to 12&nbsp;[[Celsius|°C]] (50.4 to 53.6&nbsp;[[Fahrenheit|°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 | publisher = [[Met Office]] | accessdate = 2008-05-30}}</ref> The warmest months in Poole are July and August, which have an average [[temperature range]] of 12 to 22&nbsp;°C (54 to 72&nbsp;°F), and the coolest months are January and February, which have a range of 2 to 8.3&nbsp;°C (36 to 46&nbsp;°F).<ref name="annualweather">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:UKXX0113 | title = Weather Averages Poole, England | publisher = [[Msn.com]] | accessdate = 2008-05-30}}</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]] | accessdate = 2008-05-30}}</ref> {{Infobox Weather |metric_first=yes |single_line=yes |location = Poole, Dorset, England |Jan_Hi_°C =8 |Jan_REC_Hi_°C = |Feb_Hi_°C =8 |Feb_REC_Hi_°C = |Mar_Hi_°C =11 |Mar_REC_Hi_°C = |Apr_Hi_°C =13 |Apr_REC_Hi_°C = |May_Hi_°C =17 |May_REC_Hi_°C = |Jun_Hi_°C =19 |Jun_REC_Hi_°C = |Jul_Hi_°C =22 |Jul_REC_Hi_°C = |Aug_Hi_°C =22 |Aug_REC_Hi_°C = |Sep_Hi_°C =19 |Sep_REC_Hi_°C = |Oct_Hi_°C =15 |Oct_REC_Hi_°C = |Nov_Hi_°C =11 |Nov_REC_Hi_°C = |Dec_Hi_°C =9 |Dec_REC_Hi_°C = |Year_Hi_°C = |Year_REC_Hi_°C = |Jan_Lo_°C =2 |Jan_REC_Lo_°C = |Feb_Lo_°C =2 |Feb_REC_Lo_°C = |Mar_Lo_°C =3 |Mar_REC_Lo_°C = |Apr_Lo_°C =4 |Apr_REC_Lo_°C = |May_Lo_°C =7 |May_REC_Lo_°C = |Jun_Lo_°C =10 |Jun_REC_Lo_°C = |Jul_Lo_°C =12 |Jul_REC_Lo_°C = |Aug_Lo_°C =12 |Aug_REC_Lo_°C = |Sep_Lo_°C =10 |Sep_REC_Lo_°C = |Oct_Lo_°C =7 |Oct_REC_Lo_°C = |Nov_Lo_°C =4 |Nov_REC_Lo_°C = |Dec_Lo_°C =3 |Dec_REC_Lo_°C = |Year_Lo_°C = |Year_REC_Lo_°C = |Jan_Precip_cm =6.29 |Jan_Precip_mm = |Feb_Precip_cm =5.03 |Feb_Precip_mm = |Mar_Precip_cm =4.07 |Mar_Precip_mm = |Apr_Precip_cm =4.55 |Apr_Precip_mm = |May_Precip_cm =2.92 |May_Precip_mm = |Jun_Precip_cm =3.56 |Jun_Precip_mm = |Jul_Precip_cm =3.18 |Jul_Precip_mm = |Aug_Precip_cm =3.55 |Aug_Precip_mm = |Sep_Precip_cm =5.15 |Sep_Precip_mm = |Oct_Precip_cm =7.53 |Oct_Precip_mm = |Nov_Precip_cm =6.9 |Nov_Precip_mm = |Dec_Precip_cm =6.72 |Dec_Precip_mm = |Year_Precip_cm = |Year_Precip_mm = |source =Msn.com<ref>{{cite web | url =http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:UKXX0113 | title =Average Annual Weather for Poole | accessmonthday = 05-30 | accessyear =2008 | language = }}</ref> |accessdate = 2008-05-30 }} ==Demography== {|class="wikitable sortable" style="line-height: 1.1em; border:1px #000000;" cellspacing="0" align="right" style="margin-left: 0em; 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]] | accessdate = 2008-06-02}}</ref> |- style="line-height: 1.1em" |align=left |[[Buddhism|Buddhist]] |0.16 |- style="line-height: 1.1em" |align=left |[[Christianity|Christian]] |74.34 |- style="line-height: 1.1em" |align=left |[[Hinduism|Hindu]] |0.15 |- style="line-height: 1.1em" |align=left |[[Judaism|Jewish]] |0.32 |- style="line-height: 1.1em" |align=left |[[Islam|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" align=right border=1 style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-right: 10pt; margin-top: 1em" !Age!!Percentage<ref name="profile"/> |- ||0&ndash;4||align=right|5.2 |- ||5&ndash;14||align=right|12.2 |- ||15&ndash;29||align=right|16.0 |- ||30&ndash;44||align=right|21.5 |- ||45&ndash;64||align=right|24.8 |- ||65+||align=right|20.3 |} The population of Poole according to the [[2001 UK Census]] was 138,288<ref name="census">, in a built-up area of {{convert|25|mi2|acre}}, giving an approximate [[population density]] of 5,532 residents per square mile (8.5 per acre), 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]] | accessdate = 2008-06-02}}</ref> The population has grown steadily since the 1960s, inward migration has accounted for most of the town’s growth and a significant part of this has been for retirement.<ref name ="housing"/> Over the last 40 years there has been an increase of over 100% in housing stock from some 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 | accessdate = 2008-06-02}}</ref> Compared to the rest of [[England and Wales]] there is an above average number of residents aged 65+ (20.3%), however this is less than the Dorset average of 22.2%, and the largest proportion of the population (24.8%) is between the ages of 45 to 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 | accessdate = 2008-06-02}}</ref> Population projections for Poole have predicted a continual growth, with an estimated population of 151,481 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%, which is 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]] | accessdate = 2008-02-22}}</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 [[GBP|£]]274,011; [[Single-family detached home|detatched houses]] are 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 web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/uk_house_prices/html/19uj.stm | title = UK House Prices | publisher = [[British Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate = 2008-06-02}}</ref> The average house prices in Poole are boosted by those in [[Sandbanks]], which has the fourth most expensive house prices in the world,<ref>{{cite web | year = 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/961423.stm | title = Britain's golden riviera | publisher = [[BBC News]] | accessdate = 2008-06-02}}</ref> with property there selling for an average of £488,761.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6941542.stm | title = Price study looks at seaside life | publisher = [[BBC News]] | accessdate = 2008-06-02}}</ref> A study in 2006 by the [[National Housing Federation]], reported that Poole is the most unaffordable town in the UK.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5259918.stm | title = Dorset town is least affordable | publisher = [[BBC News]] | accessdate = 2008-06-02}}</ref> {{clr}} <center> {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;width:70%;border:0px;text-align:center;line-height:120%;" ! colspan="22" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|[[Population growth]] in Poole since 1801 |- ! style="background: #99CCCC; color: #000080" height="17" | Year ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1801 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1811 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1821 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1831 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1841 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1851 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1861 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1871 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1881 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1891 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1901 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1911 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1921 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1931 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1941 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1951 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1961 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1971 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1981 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1991 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 2001 |- Align="center" ! style="background: #99CCCC; color: #000080" height="17" | Population | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 6,682 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 6,752 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 9,021 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 9,401 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 9,901 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 10,595 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 12,152 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 13,710 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 15,267 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 20,446 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 29,068 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 41,344 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 50,024 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 60,527 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 71,089 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 83,494 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 94,598 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 107,204 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 117,133 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 135,066 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 138,299 |- Align="center" ! style="background: #99CCCC; color: #000080" height="17" | % change | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | &ndash; | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +1.1 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +33.6 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +4.2 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +5.3 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +7 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +14.7 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +12.8 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +11.4 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +33.9 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +42.2 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +42.2 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +30 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +30 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +17.5 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +17.5 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +13.3 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +13.3 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +9.3 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | +15.3 | style="background: #FFFFFF; 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] |} </center> ==Economy== {| class="wikitable" id="toc" style="float: right; margin-left: 2em; width: 40%; font-size: 90%;" cellspacing="3" !colspan="4"|'''Poole's Employment Structure'''<ref name="profile"/> |- |'''Sector'''||'''Poole'''||'''[[Dorset]]'''||'''[[Great Britain]]''' |- |Agriculture||0.1%||0.4%||0.9% |- |Energy and Water||1.1%||0.6%||0.8% |- |Manufacturing||16.8%||13.4%||13.4% |- |Construction||3.3%||4.0%||4.5% |- |Services||78.7%||81.7%||80.5% |} Poole’s local [[economy]] is more balanced than that of 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 a number of major office based employers relocated to the area.<ref name="profile"/> The importance of manufacturing has declined since the 1960s but, providing jobs for around 17% of the workforce in 2002, it 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 producer, is based in Poole and employs over 1,800 people in its Poole [[shipyard]]s.<ref>{{cite web | title = The name's Sunseeker | work = Bournemouth Daily Echo | publisher = [[Newsquest]] | date = [[2006-10-27]] | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.990854.0.the_names_sunseeker.php | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }}</ref> In 2004, it was estimated that Sunseeker generates £160 million for the local economy.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://www.superyachttimes.com/editorial/14/article/id/107 | title = Sunseeker embarks on major expansion in Poole | publisher = Super Yacht Times | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref> Other major employers in Poole in the manufacturing industry include [[Sealed Air]], Hamworthy KSE, Hamworthy Heating, Hamworthy Combustion, [[Lush (store)|Lush]], Penske Cars Ltd who build racing cars for [[Penske Racing]], Kerry Foods, Precision Disc Casting, [[Siemens]], Southernprint, [[Ryvita]], and Zellweger Analytics Limited. Poole has the largest number of [[industrial estates]] in [[South East Dorset conurbation|South East Dorset]], including the Nuffield Industrial estate, Mannings Heath and the Arena Business Park.<ref name="industrial"/> Industrial Estate sites are in high demand and there are a number of developments currently under construction including the Poole Trade Park near [[Tower 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 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref> [[Image:poole.sunseeker.arp.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Sunseeker]] boat-building factory on the Poole waterfront (the larger of the three yachts is a Sunseeker)]] The [[Tertiary sector of economic activity|service sector]] is the principal [[economy]] of Poole is the with a large number of employees working either for the service economy of local residents or for the [[tourist]] economy. During the 1970s, Poole’s location within the [[South West England|South West Region]], with its less restrictive [[regional planning]] policies, attracted companies wishing to relocate from [[London]].<ref name="profile"/> These included employers within the banking and financial sector, such as [[Barclays Bank]] (who operate a regional HQ in Poole), the Frizzell Insurance Group (now [[Liverpool Victoria]]), and [[American Express Bank]]. Other important service sector employers include Link House Publications, the [[Bank of New York Mellon]] who have their corporate trust division in the town, the national headquarters of the [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution|Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)]], the UK headquarters of [[Fitness First]], [[Bournemouth University]] and Poole Primary Care Trust. Poole is also the headquarters for [[Merlin Entertainments]], the world's second-largest [[theme park]] operator after [[Disney]]. Tourism is important to the Poole’s economy and was worth an estimated £158m in 2002.<ref name="profile"/> Poole's [[Poole Harbour|Harbour]] (which includes [[Brownsea Island]]), the Quay, [[Poole Pottery]] and the beaches are some of the main attractions for visitors.<ref name="jurassiccoast">{{cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.jurassiccoast.com/279/visiting-the-coast-31/gateway-towns-146/poole-457.html | title = Poole | publisher = [[Jurassic Coast]] | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref> The visitor accommodation consists of [[hotels]], [[Guest house (lodging)|guest houses]] and [[bed and breakfast]]s located around the town, especially around the quay area and in [[Sandbanks]], and Rockly Park; a large caravan site in Hamworthy owned and operated by [[Haven and British Holidays]].<ref name="haven">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.havengroups.co.uk/parks/dorset/rockleypark/ | title = Rockley Park | publisher = [[Haven and British Holidays]] | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref> Investment in new [[port]] facilities on the southern side of [[Hamworthy]], and the deepening of shipping channels has allowed growth in [[English Channel|cross-channel]] freight and passenger traffic, and Poole is now one of Britain’s busiest ports.<ref name="profile"/> In November 2005 the main shipping channels into the harbour and the Port of Poole were [[Dredging|dredged]] in order to accommodate modern ferries at all states of the [[tide]].<ref name="dredge">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poolebay.net/PhaseI/dredging.htm | title = The Dredging Operation | publisher = PooleBay.net | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref> The project was carried out by [[Van Oord]], and by the time it was completed, the depth had been increased from 6[[metre|m]] to 7.5 m. Approximately 1.8 million m<sup>3</sup> of sand and silt were dredged from the approach channels to the Harbour and port, and 1.1 million m<sup>3</sup> was made available to the local beaches of Poole, [[Bournemouth]] and [[Isle of Purbeck|Purbeck]] for [[Beach nourishment|beach replenishment]].<ref name="dredge"/> Commercial [[ferry]] operators run regular passenger and [[freight]] services from Poole to [[Cherbourg]], [[St Malo]] and the [[Channel Islands]].<ref name="port"/> The channel deepening works have ensured that the port can accommodate larger vessels and also attract other ferry and [[cruise line]] operators. Poole is also a major destination for [[bulk cargo]] imports and the port receives imports of 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 | publisher = Poole Harbour Aquatic Management | format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref> There are 105 boats registered and licensed to the [[Port]] of Poole which hold 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 | work = Bournemouth Daily Echo | publisher = [[Newsquest]] | date = [[2008-03-25]] | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2145594.0.fishermen_cast_into_a_parttime_role_by_quotas.php | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }}</ref> It is the largest port in terms of licences in the SSFDC area, the second largest being [[Weymouth]], and one of the largest registered fishing fleets in the UK.<ref name="fish2">{{cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.phc.co.uk/10%20Fishing%20Activity%203442%20kb.pdf | title = Fishing Activity | publisher = Royal Haskoning | format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref> There are many other boats using Poole as their home port that do not hold permits and operate either as charter boats running angling trips or for personal use.<ref name="fish2"/> The fishing fleet catch mainly [[Mullet (fish)|mullet]], [[squid]], [[Crab fisheries|crab]], and [[Bass (fish)|bass]]. [[Shellfish]] are fished in the harbour and during the summer [[European plaice|plaice]] and [[Common sole|sole]] are caught.<ref name="fish2"/> However, the fishing fleet is gradually declining as a result of [[Common Fisheries Policy|fishing quotas]] introduced by the [[EU]].<ref name="fish1"/> ==Sport and recreation== [[Image:Wakeboarderpoole.jpg|thumb|right|A wakeboarder in [[Poole Harbour]]]] [[Poole Harbour]] and [[Poole Bay]] are popular areas for a wide variety of recreational pursuits, including [[sailing]], [[windsurfing]], [[surfing]], [[kitesurfing]] and [[water skiing]].<ref name="recreation">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.phc.co.uk/13%20Recreation%20and%20Leisure%20123%20kb.pdf | title = Recreation and leisure | publisher = Royal Haskoning | format = pdf | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> The harbour attracts windsurfers with large areas of sheltered shallow waters, especially around the northern and eastern shores. Water skiing takes place in the harbour in a special designated area in the Wareham Channel. The waters around the harbour, Poole Bay and [[Studland Bay]] are also popular for recreational angling and diving.<ref name="recreation"/> Poole's wide and sandy beaches are used for swimming, sunbathing and water sports including [[catamaran]] sailing and windsurfing.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/leisure/services/ref:S464DAE039BD1A/ | title = Beach Information | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> The beaches at [[Sandbanks]] are used for sporting events such as the [[Beach Volleyball]] Classic<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.activedorset.org/site/index.php?/news/sports/volleyball | title = Volleyball | publisher = Active Dorset | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> and in 2008 it will host the first ever British Beach [[Polo]]<includeonly></includeonly> Championship.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/news/ref:N47B56F3E20999/ | title = Beach Polo Comes to Sandbanks | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> Poole Harbour is one of the largest centres for sailing in the UK with yacht clubs including Lilliput Sailing Club, Parkstone Yacht Club and Poole 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 | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</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 | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> as well as being organisers of Youth Week and Poole Week, two of the largest 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 | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.parkstoneyachtclub.com/pageabout.html | title = About the club | publisher = Parkstone Yacht Club | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> Poole's oldest [[Association Football|football]] team is [[Poole Town FC]], a [[semi-professional]] team who play in the [[Wessex League]] Premier Division (the ninth tier of the [[English football league system]]).<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://full-time.thefa.com/DisplayTeam.do;jsessionid=A94EE9034CC012D6D827B443D0CFC1B8?id=5094179 | title = Poole Town | publisher = [[The FA]] | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> Established in 1880, the team has had erratic success at their level; once playing in the third round of the [[FA Cup]], and making it through to the first round four times.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole-town.fsnet.co.uk/honours.htm | title = Honours | publisher = Poole Town F.C. | accessdate = 2008-06-10}}</ref> They played at Poole Stadium until 1994 they were forced out, and have since settled at Tatnam Farm, sharing the school playing field with [[Oakdale South Road Middle School]].<ref name="rec"/> Poole Town have recently submitted plans for the creation of a new [[Pound sterling|£]]1 million ground in [[Branksome]] which would enable them to meet strict [[Football Association]] criteria to progress up the [[English football league system|pyramid ladder]].<ref name="rec">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2008/4/3/137185.html | title = Poole plan move to Branksome Rec | work = [[Dorset Echo]] | publisher = [[Newsquest]] | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> Poole's other football teams are [[Hamworthy United]], formed in 1970 and who also play in the Wessex Premier League and [[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 web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/may/28/knowledge | title = The Knowledge | publisher = [[The Guardian]] | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> Poole is home to a [[motorcycle speedway]] team, the [[Poole Pirates]]. The Pirates were established and began racing at [[Poole Stadium]] in 1948 in the [[Speedway National League Division Three|National League Division Three]] and rose to the top flight.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poolespeedway.net/08-website/clubhistory.php | title = Poole Pirates History | publisher = Poole Speedway | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> The team races in the top tier of league racing, the [[Speedway Elite League|Elite League]], they last won the Elite League championship in [[2004 Speedway Elite League|2004]]. Poole Stadium is also home to a [[greyhound racing]] track, with race nights three times a week throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.stadiauk.com/poole.php | title = Poole Greyhounds | publisher = Stadia UK | accessdate = 2008-06-29}}</ref> Poole's entertainment sites include [[Tower Park]], one of England's largest entertainment and dining complexes. In 2008 Poole will have its own [[Community Radio]] Station The Bay 102.8.<ref>[http://www.thebayradio.com/ The Bay 102.8, 2007]</ref> Poole also has restaurants, cafés and historic [[pubs]], many of which are on The Quay. ==Culture== ===The Lighthouse=== [[Image:PooleCentrePan1.jpg|thumb|right|[[The Lighthouse (Poole)|The Lighthouse Arts Centre]], in the town centre, is the largest arts centre in [[England]] outside [[London]].]] Built in 1978, [[The Lighthouse (Poole)|The Lighthouse]] is a regional [[arts centre]], containing a [[cinema]], [[concert hall]], [[studio]], [[theatre]], image lab and media suite, a gallery for photography and digital art, a restaurant and function rooms. According to the [[Arts Council England|Arts council of England]] it is the largest arts centre in the [[United Kingdom]] outside [[London]].<ref name="ArtsCouncil">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/aboutus/project_detail.php?sid=7&id=696&page=5 | title = The Lighthouse, About us | publisher = The [[Arts Council of England]] | accessdate = 2007-12-10}}</ref> The venue underwent an [[Pound sterling|£]]8.5 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 | accessdate = 2008-06-30}}</ref> The concert hall has been home to the [[Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra]] since their former base at the Bournemouth Winter Gardens closed. The rock band [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]] played a [[Gig (musical performance)|gig]] at the Lighthouse in 2004 as a warm up for their headlining appearance at the [[Glastonbury Festival]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://www.oasisinet.com/site.php?site=tourgigreviews&year=2004&idx=683&result=true&start=0 | title = Gig review | publisher = Oasis Official Website | accessdate = 2008-06-30}}</ref> ===Poole Park=== Poole has a large public park, adjacent to [[Poole Harbour]] and the towns sports complex and swimming centre. The park is one of only two [[Victorian era|Victorian]] parks in the Borough of Poole and the only one containing buildings.<ref>[http://www.friendsofpoolepark.co.uk/ Friends of Poole Park, 2007]</ref> The park comprises 109.5 acres of which 60 acres are water. The park has a lake, as well as a large fountain and two children's play areas. There is a monument to Poole citizens lost during the [[First World War|First]] and [[Second World War]]s. In 2006 the park was redeveloped at a cost of £2 million. The redevelopment included a new Italian restaurant, indoor ice rink and cleaning of the lake.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/5382834.stm £2m transformation of park begins, [[BBC]] News, 2007]</ref> Poole Park also hosts several road races such as the Poole Festival of Running organised by [http://www.Poolerunners.com Poole Runners] and 'Round the Lakes' on Boxing Day organised by [[Poole athletic club|Poole Athletic Club]] Poole Park is also host to many other lesser known events such as 'The Skeleton Fun Run' and 'Trolly Dash'.<ref>[http://www.pooleac.co.uk/ Poole Athletic Club], Accessed 10-12-07 </ref> <gallery> Image:PooleCivcCentreandPark.jpg|Entrance to Poole Park, with the civic centre behind Image:PooleParkLake1.jpg|Poole Park Lake Image:PooleParkLake2.jpg|Poole Park Lake, looking north Image:PooleParkLake3.jpg|Poole Park Lake, looking north-west </gallery> ===Poole Museum=== Poole Museum (formerly the Waterfront Museum) has been renovated at a cost of £1.3 million. Following a refurbishment and extension funded by the [[Heritage Lottery Fund]] the museum opened in July 2007. The extension, designed by architects Horden Cherry Lee, includes a balcony with views over the Old Town and Harbour.<ref name="BBC News 1">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/3723048.stm | title = Museum revamp gets £750,000 grant| publisher = [[BBC News]] | accessdate = 2007-07-19}}</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/6292774.stm Museum finally set to open doors], [[BBC]] News, accessed 10-12-07</ref> The museum includes the [[Poole Logboat]], as well as a detailed history of Poole from the Iron Age to the present day. The museum also 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 Poole | title = Poole Museum | publisher = Poole Borough Council| accessdate = 2007-07-19}}</ref> ==Transport== ===Road=== [[Image:Dorset transport.png|thumb|right|300px|The main transport features in Poole and Dorset]] The [[A350 road|A350]] is Poole town centre's main artery, running north along Holes Bay to the A35, and as a single carriageway to [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] and [[Bristol]]. The [[A337 road|A337]] runs east to [[Lymington]] and the [[New Forest]]. The [[A35 road|A35]] [[trunk road]] which runs from [[Devon]] to [[Southampton]] connects to the [[A31 road|A31]] on the outskirts of the town. The A31, itself the major trunk road in central southern [[England]], connects to the [[M27 motorway|M27]] at [[Southampton]]. From here the [[M3 motorway|M3]] leads to [[London]], and fast access may also be gained via the [[A34 road|A34]] to the [[M4 motorway|M4]] north of [[Newbury, Berkshire]]. Most bus services in Poole are provided on a commercial basis by private bus companies.<ref name="bus">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/adult_social_services_commissioning/services/ref:S4649E74990130/aka:Bus+Routes/ | publisher = Borough of Poole | title = Buses in Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> The majority of services are provided by [[Wilts and Dorset]] who are based at the town’s bus station and have been serving Poole since 1983.<ref name="wdbus">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.go-ahead.com/Main.php?iCmsPageId=57 | publisher = [[Go-Ahead Group]] | title = Wilts & Dorset | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> Wilts & Dorset operates intensive networks across Poole, [[Bournemouth]], [[Christchurch]] and [[Salisbury]], in addition to operations on the [[Isle of Purbeck]] and the [[New Forest]] in [[Hampshire]].<ref name="wdbus"/> In 2003 Wilts and Dorset were acquired by the [[Go-Ahead Group]].<ref name="wdbus"/> Other services are run by Bournemouth based [[Transdev Yellow Buses]], Roadliner and Shamrock.<ref name="bus"/> There are limited services provided by [[First in Hampshire & Dorset|First]] who operate the [[Jurassic Coast]] X53 service which provides Poole with direct buses to [[Weymouth]], [[Bridport]], [[Lyme Regis]], [[Seaton]] and [[Exeter]].<ref name="bus"/> Poole bus station is the terminus of [[National Express]] coaches which have frequent departures to London [[Victoria Coach Station]]. There are also direct services to the [[West Country]], the [[Sussex]] coast ([[Brighton]] and [[Eastbourne]]), [[Bristol]], [[Birmingham]] and the [[Midlands]], the North West, and to [[Edinburgh]] and [[Glasgow]]. The National Express Flightlink service serves [[Heathrow Airport]] with connections to [[Gatwick]] and [[London Stansted Airport|Stansted Airport]]s.<ref name="coach">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/go.php?structureID=U46406d2f2d56e&ref=S464ACB6780943 | publisher = Borough of Poole | title = Coaches | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> ===Rail=== Poole has four railway stations on the [[South Western Main Line]] from [[London Waterloo]] to [[Weymouth]] within the Borough. These are, from east to west, [[Branksome railway station|Branksome]] near the border with [[Bournemouth]], [[Parkstone railway station|Parkstone]], [[Hamworthy railway station|Hamworthy]] serving [[Hamworthy]] and [[Upton, Dorset|Upton]] and [[Poole railway station]] in the town centre. Poole railway station, the largest station in Poole, has the most frequent service and is served by express, semi-fast and stopping services to and from [[London Waterloo]]. Services to Waterloo are operated by [[South West Trains]] and depart from Poole every half hour, with express services every hour.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/pdfs/ttApril08/PTT28Apr08.pdf | format = pdf | publisher [[South West Trains]] | title = Weymouth to London Waterloo timetable | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> [[Virgin Trains]] used to operate services from Poole to the [[North West England|North West]] and [[Scotland]] but these now terminate at [[Bournemouth railway station|Bournemouth]]. There are plans for a £50 million development at Poole railway station in the future, however, the scheme has been delayed due to contractual issues between land owners [[Network Rail]] and developers the [[Kier Group]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2163598.0.railway_site_plan_is_back_on_track.php | work = [[Bournemouth Daily Echo]] | publisher = [[Newsquest]] | title = Railway site plan is back on track | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> The plans include a new railway station, a hotel, a new pedestrian bridge, offices and a transport interchange for taxis and coaches.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2158277.0.back_on_track.php | work = [[Bournemouth Daily Echo]] | publisher = [[Newsquest]] | title = Back on track? | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.savills.co.uk/Development/uploadedFiles/Savills_Microsites/Development/Case_Studies/Case_Studies/Case%20Study%20Poole%20Gateway%202007.pdf | format = pdf | publisher = [[Savills]] | title = Poole Gateway | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> ===Ferry=== Poole is a [[English Channel|cross channel]] port for passengers and freight with up to seven sailings a day in the summer season. Services to [[Cherbourg]] in [[France]] are operated by [[Brittany Ferries]] who provide a year round service from [[Poole Harbour]]. Brittany operate two ferries from Poole; the [[MV Barfleur]] and the [[MV Cotentin]]. The Barfleur has served the Poole to Cherbourg route since 1992 and the Cotentin freight ship (the largest ship ever to operate out of Poole) also covers the Poole-Cherbourg route and at weekends runs a service between Poole and [[Santander, Cantabria|Santander]] in [[Spain]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/routes/poole-cherbourg| title = Poole to Cherbourg Route Details | publisher = [[Brittany Ferries]] | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk/pooletosantander | title = Poole to Santander Route Details | publisher = [[Brittany Ferries]] | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> [[Condor Ferries]] also operate from Poole with the [[HSC Condor Express]] and the [[HSC Condor Vitesse]] running seasonal services to [[Guernsey]], [[Jersey]] and [[St. Malo]], [[Brittany]].<ref name="condor">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.condorferries.co.uk/Terminal/poole.aspx | title = Poole Ferry Terminal Guide | publisher = [[Condor Ferries]] | accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> ===Air=== [[Bournemouth Airport|Bournemouth International Airport]], in [[Hurn]], on the periphery of Bournemouth is the nearest airport to Poole (10 miles from Poole town centre).<ref name="profile"/> [[Ryanair]], [[EasyJet]], [[Wizz Air]] and [[Thomsonfly.com]] and [[Palmair]] all operate from the airport and provide scheduled services to major destinations throughout the UK and [[Europe]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthairport.com/bohweb.nsf/Content/FlightInformation | title = Flight information | publisher = [[Bournemouth Airport]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</ref> ==Education== {{See|List of schools in Poole}} There are 16 first schools (ages 4-8) in Poole, eight middle schools (8-12), seven combined schools (4-12), eight secondary and [[grammar school]]s (12-16/18), five [[special school]]s, two independent schools and one college of further education ([[Bournemouth and Poole College]]). [[Canford School]], is an independent [[boarding school]] and although located in [[Wimborne]], it is administered by Poole local education authority. Poole’s two grammar schools maintain a [[selective education]] system, assessed by the [[Eleven Plus]] exam. [[Poole High School]] is the largest secondary school in Poole with 1,660 pupils.<ref name="local info">{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://localinfo.dorsetecho.co.uk/li/ | title = Local information for Poole | work = [[Dorset Echo]] | publisher = [[Newsquest]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</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 it is the biggest provider of academic and vocational education in [[Dorset]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/pdf/?inspectionNumber=298650&providerCategoryID=524288&fileName=%5C%5Cschool%5C%5C130%5C%5Cc12_130652_20070621.pdf | title = Ofsted Inspection | publisher = [[Ofsted]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23 | format = pdf}}</ref> It has two centrally located main [[campus]]es in Poole and [[Bournemouth]]. In 2008, the college announced plans to refurbish and redevelop its campuses in Poole and Bournemouth at an estimated cost of £120 million.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2108339.0.120m_scheme_for_college.php | title = £120 million scheme for college | work = [[Bournemouth Daily Echo]] | publisher = [[Newsquest]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</ref> From the 2007 [[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 maths and English (54.5% compared with the national average of 46.8%).<ref>{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7180228.stm | title = How different areas performed | publisher = [[BBC News]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</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 | title = Secondary School achievement and attainment tables 2007 | publisher = [[Department for Children, Schools and Families]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</ref> [[Parkstone Grammar School]] was the most successful secondary school in Poole for 2007 GCSE results with 100% of pupils gaining five or more GCSEs at A* to C grade including maths and English. Canford School also achieved 100%. [[Poole Grammar School]] was the next best performing school with 98%. Poole High School achieved 39% and the worst performing school in Poole was [[Rossmore Community College]] with only 19% of students achieving 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, with each student achieving on average 1071.4 points compared to the national average of 731.2. Parktsone 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]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</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 in Poole, with another smaller campus situated in Bournemouth.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?ref=S46779A7387179&structureID=U46713df2215ff | title = Bournemouth University | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</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]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/good_university_guide/article2166314.ece | title = Profile: Bournemouth University | publisher = [[The Times]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</ref> In 2006, 16,226 students were studying at the University, and 88% of all 2006 graduates were employed or undertaking further study within six months of completing their studies.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/introduction_to_bu/student_numbers.html | title = Student Numbers | publisher = [[Bournemouth University]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</ref> Student accommodation is located mostly around Bournemouth and Poole, a new halls of residence for students was built in 2007 in Poole town centre.<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/accommodation/corfe_house/corfe_house.html | title = Facilities & Resources - Accommodation | publisher = [[Bournemouth University]] | accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</ref> ==Notable people and former residents== The town has been the birthplace and home to notable people, of national and international acclaim. Former residents include [[Alfred Russel Wallace]], [[Robert Baden Powell]], [[Tony Blackburn]], the artist [[Augustus John]] and [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] who lived in Poole for fours years during his retirement.<ref name="trivia">{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/services.asp?id=B8ABC2929FBF41 | title = Poole Knowledge: Facts and Trivia | publisher = Poole Tourism | accessdate = 2008-06-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/6983965.stm | title = Tolkien's home to be demolished | publisher = [[BBC News]] | accessdate = 2008-06-30}}</ref> Notable people born in Poole include [[Greg Lake]] of the band [[Emerson, Lake & Palmer|ELP]], the author [[David Cornwell]] (also known as [[John le Carré]]), [[Edgar Wright]] the director of films such as ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'' and ''[[Hot Fuzz]]'' and [[David Croft]] [[Order of the British Empire|OBE]].<ref name="trivia"/> Out of the five previous British winners of the [[Miss World]] title, two have hailed from Poole; [[Ann Sydney]] and [[Sarah-Jane Hutt]].<ref name="trivia"/> Current residents include [[Portsmouth Football Club]] manager [[Harry Redknapp]] and his son [[Jamie Redknapp]] who both own homes in [[Sandbanks]].<ref>{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/Emotion/CelebrityInterview/_LouiseRedknappP2.htm | title = Celebrity interview | publisher = [[South West Trains]] | accessdate = 2008-06-30}}</ref> ==Places of interest== *[[Brownsea Island]] *[[Compton Acres (garden)|Compton Acres Gardens]] *[[Poole Bay]] *[[Poole Harbour]] *[[Poole Museum]] *[[Poole Pottery]] *[[Sandbanks]] *[[Tower Park]] ==Gallery== <center><gallery> Image:Historic_old_Poole.jpg|Historic Poole - close up of Market Street Image:St_James_Church_poole.jpg|Historic Poole - St James Church Image:Thames_street_Museum_poole.jpg|Historic Poole - Thames Street and Poole Museum and Local History Centre Image:Historic_old_poole2.jpg|Historic Poole - View from the Old Town Hall down Market Street Image:Old_town_hall_poole.jpg|Historic Poole - The Old Town Hall Image:Poole_beachsign.jpg|Welcome to Poole Sign near [[Sandbanks]] Beach Image:PooleCentrePan2.jpg|The Town Centre - Barclays Bank offices (background) and the Dolphin Shopping Centre (left) Image:PooleBridge.jpg|Poole Bridge connects [[Hamworthy]] with the town centre. A second bridge is to be constructed. Image:Poole Museum Entrance.jpg|Poole Museum, opened after renovation in July 2007, is home to objects from the town's history. Image:Poole coatofarms.jpg|The Poole coat of arms as used before 1948, depicting the three [[scallop]] shells of [[Saint James of Compostela]] and the [[cod]], the towns original official symbol. </gallery></center> ==Twin Towns== *{{flagicon|France}} [[Cherbourg]], [[France]] ==External links== {{wikicommons|Poole}} *[http://www.bournemouthandpoole.co.uk/ Bournemouth and Poole Tourist Information Site] *[http://www.boroughofpoole.com/ Borough of Poole Council] *[http://www.canfordheath.net/ Canford Heath community web] *[http://www.poole.gov.uk/cgi-bin/map2.pl?unit_name=map&act=towncentre&style=borough Map of poole] *[http://www.pooleac.co.uk Poole Athletic Club] *[http://www.hamworthy.org.uk/ Website about Hamworthy, including Hamworthy park] *[http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/ Welcome to Poole - community and business directories] ==References== {{reflist|2}} {{Dorset}} {{SW_England}} [[Category:Coastal cities]] [[Category:Local government in Dorset]] [[Category:Poole]] [[Category:Seaside resorts in England]] [[Category:Towns in Dorset]] [[Category:Unitary authorities in England]] [[Category:Articles including recorded pronunciations (UK English)]] [[ca:Poole]] [[de:Poole]] [[et:Poole (Inglismaa)]] [[es:Poole]] [[eo:Poole]] [[fr:Poole]] [[it:Poole]] [[lb:Poole (borough)]] [[nl:Poole]] [[no:Poole]] [[pl:Poole]] [[ro:Poole]] [[qu:Poole]] [[simple:Poole]] [[fi:Poole]] [[sv:Poole]] [[vo:Poole (Dorset)]]