The History of Poole Poole was founded in the Middle Ages.

Poole in the 16th century In 1568 Queen Elizabeth gave Poole a new charter which made Poole independent and gave the population control over their own affairs. In 1574 a census showed that Poole had a population of 1,373. In 1642 civil war between king and parliament began, and Poole supported parliament. Poole suffered an outbreak of plague in 1645 Poole in the 18th century In the early 18th century, Poole harbour was a very active port; it traded with North American ships more than any other port in England. This thriving trade brought wealth to the merchants. However, this wealth soon decreased as peace after the Napoleonic war meant that France provided services at a much cheaper rate. During the Industrial Revolution the population in Poole grew rapidly. Jobs were centred on the port, 9 out of 10 workers in Poole were engaged in harbour related jobs. Poole in the 19th century In the early 19th century Poole still relied on coastal trade, this soon declined when the first railways were built. The first public library in Poole opened in 1887 and Poole Park opened in 1890. Poole in the 20th century At the beginning of the 20th century the population of Poole was only 19,000. But it grew at a phenomenal rate, today the population of Poole is 141,000. Main Industry in Poole is tourism. The old industries of shipbuilding, brick making and brewing declined; however, the pottery industry has survived. Poole has tried to attract more tourists by building the Dolphin swimming Pool (1974) and the Waterfront Museum (1989) as well as an Art Centre which opened in 1989. The Economic History of Poole 1970s less restrictive planning policies attracted businesses to relocate from London, for example, Barclays and American Express. The 1970s saw Poole become Britains busiest port. CARGO IMPORTS: steel, timber, brick, fertiliser, grain etc. CARGO EXPORTS: clay, sand, fragmented steel, grain etc 1980s and 1990s service sector increased many people relocated from TOURISM: 158 million in 2002 known for its beaches, Poole pottery, Quay and Harbour.