Boscombe

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Boscombe is a suburb of the much larger Bournemouth. Boscombe is by the sea, Honeycombe Chine, and it has its own pier, which was built in 1888, with a unique aircraft-wings design added in the 1950s at the entrance which is a listed building.

Boscombe has a long sandy beach and Boscombe Cliff Gardens offers views of the bay that stretches around from Hengistbury Head to Bournemouth and to Alum Chine and the entrance to Poole Harbour. It is possible to surf next to the historic pier, and in 2005 plans were made to build an artificial surf reef close to the pier. On the 30th October 2005, the pier was closed as it was deemed unsafe and the local government has promised to reopen a refurbished pier in 2006 or 2007.

New development of the area around Boscombe was approved under the Boscombe Spa Development Plan in July, 2006. This project will turn the seafront into a spa village complete with a reef that will create 4ft (1.2m) waves. Funding for the development has been made by the sale of the local seafront carpark to Barratt Homes for 169 seafront apartments.

Boscombe (and Springbourne to the North) were originally independent settlements, separated from Bournemouth by dense wood and moorland. One of the few early landmarks was the 'Ragged Cat', a wayside inn dating back to 1850, later renamed to the 'Palmerston' and then 'Deacons'. Boscombe was incorporated into the boundaries of Bournemouth in 1875 (against the wishes of Boscombe residents).

Much early development of Boscombe was due to Sir Henry Drummond Wolff who sought to develop 'Boscombe Spa' as a resort to rival Bournemouth and who created the Boscombe Chine Gardens. Further developments were made in the 1890's by Archibald Beckett who was responsible for the Salisbury Hotel (now Greens) in 1890, the Royal Arcade in 1892 and the Theatre (now the Opera House) in 1895.

Boscombe centre contains some examples of art deco buildings, for example the building now inhabited by Motabitz. Boscombe is also home to Shelley Manor, built in 1801 and once owned by the Shelley family - see Mary Shelley. The family were largely responsible for the construction of Boscombe Pier.

Boscombe is not considered the most upmarket area in the Bournemouth area. Drug dealers and high crime rates, along with mainly small and pokey houses have deemed most of the area as unsophisticated.

There has been quite a few improvements to the area though especially by the coast, where architects have built ultra-modern houses and flats which are becoming popular around many parts of Bournemouth and especially Poole (mainly in the wealthier suburban areas).

Boscombe manor, a cliff top suburban area just off Boscombe is fairly desirable with many large and attractive houses. Boscombe manor is also near Southbourne and Hengistbury head.

Boscombe is also home to AFC Bournemouth who play at Dean Court. Many fans still refer to AFC Bournemouth as Boscombe, a reference to the days of Boscombe St John's. AFC Bournemouth became a more fashionable name during the 1970's but the purists still recognise the legitimate and rightful name as Boscombe St John's. A rallying cry of "Boscombe back of the net" can still be heard on match days.

Boscombe has a thriving street market in the Christchurch Road pedestrianized zone on Thursdays and Saturdays.