Skip to main content
Vector - Seahorse Yellow - Large
Vector - Seahorse Yellow - Small

Localhistory

Poole history online

 

Poole History Online is a free digital collection of photographs, documents and fascinating records that bring the history of Poole to life. Managed by Poole Museum, the site is yours to explore and dive deeper - what will you discover?

 

Poole Quay from the air

Discover space

 

Discover your own Poole history, stories and archives. Explore resources for research, learning and curiosity - and find out what you can access in our Discover space.

 

People standing over a map

Poole World War I

 

Explore the stories of how the War shaped the lives of people in Poole, from those who served on the front lines to those who supported the effort at home. This includes the experiences of munitions workers, nurses, fishermen, and the many others whose contributions and sacrifices were part of this chapter in our shared history.

 

A museum cabinet with war shrapnel in

Dorset History Centre

 

Dorset History Centre is the archives service and local studies library for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorset and Poole. It’s where the county’s stories are carefully kept and brought to life. Whether you’re uncovering family history, diving into local research, or simply having a curious browse, there’s always something new to discover in Dorset’s past.

 

An old black and white image of Scaplen's Court

Ancestry

 

Dorset History Centre has teamed up with family history website Ancestry.co.uk to bring Dorset’s past even closer to home. Thanks to this partnership, many of our most valuable family history records have been digitised and can now be explored online, making it easier than ever to trace stories, uncover connections, and dive into Dorset’s history from wherever you are.

 

Black and white photograph of a lady in all her finery