The Beautiful Henry Joy Gothic Arcade, built in 1884-5 is still a tremendous feature in the heart of Westbourne, a fantastic backdrop for pictures and just getting into the spirit of the day.
DID YOU KNOW?
Between 1850 - 1918 Westbourne evolved from a quite hamlet into a leafy suburb of Bournemouth. The area attracted renowned Authers, Visionaries, Archiects and historical pioneers seeking the coastal areas theraputic sea air.
Florance Nightingale (1820-1910) A social reformer and widly regarded as the founder of Modern Nursing, was deeply involved in the establishment of The Herbert Home Hospital in Westbourne, opened in 1866 at 49 Alumhurst Road.
Winston Churchill born 1874 Was a frequent visitor to Westbourne. in 1892 while being chased in a game of tag famousl fell from a tree he had tried to leap on from the Bridge in Branksome Dene Chine.
Robert Louis Steveson ( 1850 - 1894) lived in a house called Skerryvore, where he wrote The Strange Case of Dr Jekell & Mr Hyde. The house was later bombed in the Second World War. Today it remains a small peacefull park, 5 minutes walk from the center of Westbourne. Stone planters are built on its former foundations, where the outline of the house is clear to see.