The Mysterious Indian Hut
The Mysterious Indian Hut began to make an appearance in the last thirty years of the nineteenth-century map. According to Pascoe Marshall, it was a wattle-and-daub hut, built as a primitive isolation hospital during an outbreak of small-pox in the nineteenth century.Others have described the hut as a rough cottage believed to be inhabited by a tramp and speculation was that he was an Indian soldier but it has not been proven. On the 1861 consensus the building was already known as Indian Hut and at the time was inhabited by a family of four; the Lockyer family. The original Indian Hut disappeared under building developments of the early years of the twentieth century with its last reference in the Bournemouth Graphic in 1906.
One of Bournemouth's First Regular Bus Services
On 1914 Charminster's first regular bus route was introduced between Cemetry Junction and the Fiveways. There were two designed buses the Daimler and the Tilling-Stevens. These buses were originally seen as supplementary to the trams but this route was withdrawn at the outbreak of the war but their popularity grew in the 1920s and in 1931 buses finally got formal routes with three routes covering the Charminster area.
Space and Housing
Charminster is first mentioned in the Christchurch Inclosure Award of 1805 that referenced a 'Charminster Lane' and was within the Moordown boundaries. The Third Earl of Malmesbury, James Harris, bought acres of land in Charminster, later used by his nephew, Edward Harris, the Fourth Earl of Malmesbury, to build modern dwellings in the 1880s.In an interview with a resident from the street, they mentioned how when the houses were built on this street they were to cost no more then £400, a lot for the time, and this was intended to be a posh suburb. Some of these houses in the area are now flats and the old houses have been renovated. The audio clip will show how the heritage of the area has changed physically even more so with the creation of concreted front gardens. Though this seems minuscule in comparison the loss of front gardens and instead the plain tarmac or concrete look takes away the appearance of the area and has started to become modernised to fit the needs of the new generations. As you walk down the street you will see many houses have had to adapt to fit the necessity of the car parking space since there is not enough room on the street.
From Local to Commercial
Before the boom in high street shops and business chains, this highstreet provided the local area everything they needed from buttons to meat. The sound clip gives you a glimpse into the 1990s and how very different it was today when family-owned shops and the hustle and bustle of today was non-existence.
Esso Garage (Now and Then)
The Esso Garage at 342 Charminster Road has underwent many changes as seen in these photographs, from two self-service pumps and a house as part of the petrol station. Now, the modern day Esso Garage houses far more self-service pumps and no longer has been converted into from a house to a dedicated petrol station shop.
St. Alban's Church
The building of the church started on October 8, 1907 and opened on June 3, 1909. Originally built as a district church for the mother church of St. Augustine. It was fully consecrated as a parish church on June 17, 1913 and follows the high Anglican tradition. There were plans for a steepled tower to be built but the addition was never added.The east window is a stained glass memorial for the First World War that shows an ascended Christ surrounded by saints. During the Second World War, this Church became a rest centre for after air raids since many people had to evacuate their homes or their houses were destroyed in the bombings.The wooden shrine stood in the church grounds during the First World War, where the names of fallen men were added to honour their sacrifices and was later moved to inside the church. A further plaque was added after 1945 that honoured those who died in the Second World War. Altogether, there are 80 names commemorated on this shrine.
The Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation
The church was built in 1905/06 and designed in the Gothic style by the architects, G.F. Bodley and Sir G. Gilbert-Scott. The church is linked to St. Edward Campion, a priest and martyr, as he was tried with treason after officiating an underground Catholic ministry in Newly-Anglican England under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.In 1965, the Lady Chapel was extended, along with the west end of the church being extended by one bay. Later, the church became a Grade I listed building in 1976.
The forgotten congregational church
Before the building was demolished and replaced by the Richmond Court Business Centre in 1983, it was a symbol of 'working class aspirations' as a Congregationalist Church. The Church served two purposes: to act as a place of worship and to have lecture halls to increase the education of 'ordinary' people. The lecture halls were opened in 1901 and the Church itself followed with more classrooms in 1905. In the 1940s the Church played a role in the war effort by serving as a canteen for allied servicemen.In 1972 it became the United Reform Church and in 1979 it was merged with another church, only for it the building to be sold a couple of years later. In May 1982, the last service was held and a year later the building was demolished and the building we know today was built.
Tram service / trolley buses
At the end of 1902, the first tram ran from Richmond Hill to Capstone Road and another service ran into town from Queen's Park Corner. Although the trams were slow and noisy, they remained a reliable travel service in Charminster. In 1913, Sunday tram services were prevented following opposition from churchmen and residents who did not want their day of rest disturbed, but afternoon trams were accepted. Eventually in 1926, Sunday morning tram services were finally allowed.In 1935, trams were replaced by trolley buses. There were two trolley buses that served the Charminster area: buses number 2 and 28.
The Richmond/Richmond Arms
The Richmond Arms (c.1893) is a nineteenth-century building that was originally a smaller building compared to its current strucutre. In 1911, after the coronation of King George V, the Richmond doubled in size, as seen in the black and white photograph (1926). The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang actor, Lionel Jeffries, (1926-2010), lived in Bournemouth and once visited the Richmond Arms with the famed actor and entertainer, Bob Hope.
Blue Plaque (Noble)
Cpl. Cecil Reginald Noble (1891-1915) resided at 175 Capstone Road. When he was 19 years old, he enlisted in The Rifle Brigade at Winchester. In 1910 he was fatally wounded at Neuve Chappelle and on March 12, 1915, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery in clearing barbed wire under severe fire allowing his battalion to advance. He is buried in Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery France alongside fellow Allied and Commonwealth forces. As well as this blue plaque on Capstone Road, there is a block of British Legion flats named 'Reginald Noble Court' in Wallisdown to commemorate Noble. There is also a grave in Bournemouth Gardens to commemorate him and fellow VC recipient, Sgt. Frederick Riggs, for their service.
Parachute Landmines
On November 16, 1940 at 3:30 am, one of the worst air raids hit the ward, surrounding areas and other towns. Parachute Landmines landed on St. Leonards Road, Malmesbury Park Road and Alma Road. More than 50 people were killed and around 150 injured. The photograph shows the devastation left behind by the parachute landmines on The Brunswick and Malmesbury Park Road. The Brunswick still stands in the background, but many houses were completely destroyed with one house only having their door left intact. Infant students of Alma Road school had to be relocated to Malmesbury Park School after their school was destroyed in the air raid.
The Brunswick (Pub)
The Brunswick was originally built in 1893 A.D., but had to be rebuilt in 1946 due to war damage. The Brunswick was bombed very badly during air raids in the Second World War, with the destruction shown in the 1940 black and white photograph.Not only was it badly hit by the war, but the legendary local boxer, Freddie Mills, ran a gym from the Brunswick. The Brunswick also appeared in the television series Sykes, that featured Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques as twins. In the 1974 episode 'The Pub' (Series Three, Episode Three), the twins manage a pub (the Brunswick) for the evening, with one scene showing the outside of the pub with 'The Brunswick Hotel' sign and a 'Whitbread' hotel franchise sign.
Malmesbury Park Road
As you walk up Malmesbury Park Road (named after the family who owned the land), you will see that some houses have dates carved into the buildings. This shows the date it was built some dating back to the late 1890s. Although many of these houses have since been renovated with their numbers and plaques removed, there are some instances, such as the Belvedere Villas, which still have their original carvings from the date the building was finished. The voice clip is from an interview with local residents who have lived down this road and how the area has changed not physically but emotionally.
Coal delivery
Today this alleyway appears a normal back ally to the back of houses, but interestingly the alleyway used to operate as an entrance for local coal deliveries, as coal would be delivered to houses beofre the age of central heating. The YouTube video is not specifically on the coal delivery of the Charminster area, but it shows the days before central heating was invented and the delivery system that was put in place to get the coal to every home.
Then & Now
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, this site was a repair shop, but to keep up with the growing needs and demands of the public the scenery of the area has had to adapt. Along with wartime pressures, the repair shop was eventually closed down. Now the site houses a bar and eatery to fit into the character of the area.
Air Raid
On March 27 1941, at 12:20 pm, bombs hit Lowther road and Methuen Road, with over 101 properties in the area being damaged. Houses were evacuated nearby, including Alma road due to unexploded bombs. The image shows the bombs the German Luftwaffe dropped during their air raids in WW2.
Malmesbury Park Primary School
The site of the Malmesbury Park school originally started off as the Royal Victoria Hospital annexe, built in 1908. The hospital would later function as a designated rest centre during the Second World War, as shelter following air raids and house evacuations. After the war, the hospital began to accomodate lower school classes alongside the local Bournemouth School on Porchester Road, where the school was split between the two sites then known as 'Lowther' and 'Porchester'. Bournemouth School was relocated to East Way in Charminster and the 'Lowther' campus became the Avonbourne Secondary Girls School until 1970. The site also housed a teaching centre before it was redeveloped into the Malmesbury Park Primary School in the 1990s that we recognise today.The school itself originally resided in Malmesbury Park Road but was unfortunately hit by air raids during the Second World War, subsequentially destroying the school. The school was therefore relocated to a building on Lowther Road. The school was rebuilt on Lowther Road in the late 1990s and has thrived to now take over 600 pupils.Currently, the school also holds a metal plaque to commemorate the Victoria Cross recipient, Frederick Charles Riggs who also attended the school (see tour point 23).
St. Andrew's Church
The building of St. Andrew's Church began in 1891 when Bournemouth architect Sidney Tugwell teamed up with Julius Chatwin from Birmingham. Both the interior and exterior remain very similar, if not the same, as to when it was built with a rather conservative design. The Church has always had a place in the community and often held events or groups. One, for example, was the autumn bazaar in 1979 where the church held stalls, games and treasure hunts for children of the community.
Air Raid
On November 1, 1943 at 5:45 pm, Bennet Road along with Heron Court, Gerald, Howard, Avon, Chatsworth, Orchestron, Shaftesbury and Shelbourne Roads and Queen's Park and Cecil Avenues was hit with 25 bombs that were dropped. Only one person was killed, but 27 people were injured and an estimated 1284 houses were destroyed or damaged.
Childhood Home of Christian Bale
Christian Bale (1974-present) is a well-known actor who has starred classic films, such as American Psycho and as Batman in the Dark Knight Trilogy. He lived in Capstone Road, where he spent his childhood attending the Bournemouth School for Boys after relocating several times from Wales to Dorset. When Bale lived here, he starred as Jim Graham in Empire in the Sun and won "Best Performance by a Juvenile Actor" by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures. Despite this success, he almost gave up acting due to the constant pressure and attention fame brought, however, he continued on and moved to America after starring in Treasure Island.
Blue Plaque (Riggs)
Sgt. Frederick Charles Riggs (1888-1918) was another recipient of the Victoria Cross. Born in Springbourne, Bournemouth, he was adopted by Elizabeth Burgum when he was about five years old and resided at 39 Capstone Road and attended what is now know as Malmesbury Park Primary School. The school also holds a metal plaque to commemorate Sgt. Riggs (see tour point 19).Riggs fought in Gallipoli and in Egypt to later be severely wounded in the head at the Battle of Somme. He returned to fight in France but was unfortunately killed on October 1, 1918. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, as The London Gazette (January 3, 1919) stated that he bravely led his platoon through severe fire and "handled two captured guns with great effect, and caused the surrender of fifty enemy". Unfortunately, the enemy began to advance again and he was killed whilst encouraging his men to resist the enemy.In Wallisdown, 'Riggs Gardens' is also named after Riggs to commemorate the fallen soldier. As well, another memorial is located in Bournemouth Gardens alongside fellow VC recipient, Cpl. Cecil Noble, to honour their service.
The Avon Social Club - Commemorative Plaque
On the Avon Social Club, the local community has placed its own plaque to commemorate the late comedian Tony Hancock. Although a blue plaque is placed upon the Durlston Court Hotel; the place of his childhood, this plaque remembers his first professional appearance when the Avon Social Club was the Labour Hall.Tony Hancock was a prolific comedian and his Half Hour show became a sensation on the BBC. At the age of 44, he committed suicide but his legacy lived within comedians and famous fans, including Steve Coogan and Mark Hamill. The link will give you the chance to listen to some of the late comedian's work.
Air Raid Destruction
Here on October 21, 1940 at 4:39 pm, houses number 24 and 26 were destroyed in an air raid attack when ten bombs were dropped in the are by a tip and run raider. Ten people were injured and 212 properties were damaged, as well as the Queen's Park Gardens. The clip attached is the sound of an air raid siren people at the time would here every time German bombers were spotted in the sky to give the citizens time to take cover and get to a safe zone.
Home of Arthur Pollard VC
Arthur Pollard (1893-1060) was a soldier in the Honourable Artillery Company in the First World War becoming a Second Lieutenant. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry, starting a counterattack with only four other men after heavy shell fire had dispersed and disorganised the frontline. After the war, he became a prolific author in which he wrote 60 books that included his memoirs and crime fiction. In 1949, Pollard and his wife, Violet, retired to Bournemouth where he continued to write books. Though he became reclusive during this time, he also became close with another VC recipient, Bill Haine. Pollard died after collapsing trying to fix a dislodged roof panel. During his life, he was awarded for his bravery: a Victoria Cross, two Military Crosses and distinguished conduct medal.
Home of the Durrells
The Durrells lived in Bournemouth for 1939 to 1957. They moved to this area from living in Corfu out of fears of War.Specifically, Gerald Durrell OBE (1925-1995)was a keen conservationist and wildlife expert. He collected over 400 exotic animals. When his house became too full he started the Jersey Zoo in 1959 and founded the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. He was awarded an OBE, wrote books and his memoirs were adapted into the ITV show, 'The Durrells'. While living in Bournemouth, Gerald would frequently go on animal collecting expeditions across Africa and South America. For his work, he was given the Order of the Golden Ark by the Prince of Netherlands in 1981, and the United Nations Role of Honour for Environmental Achievement in 1988.
Childhood home of Charles Gray
Charles Gray (1928-2000) was an actor and appeared in many films in his 43-year career that included the characters, Blofeld and Agent Henderson, in two James Bond films. He went on to feature in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well as playing Mycroft Holmes in many adaptations of Sherlock Holmes in the 1970s/80s.He was born in Bournemouth and attended Bournemouth School to become an estate agent to fund his desire to be an actor. He finally left Bournemouth to pursue his acting career at the age of 22. He continued to work until he was diagnosed with Cancer, to which unfortunately he lost the battle to in 2000.
