British Pathe's YouTube channel is a treasure trove of history . We've picked out some of our favourites, from "gallant little Bournemouth" taking on Manchester United, to the lady log-rolling champion of Great Britain...

Thomas Hardy's funeral - 1928

Thomas Hardy was buried in Stinstock in 1928. This silent film shows the vicar carrying a casket to the church where he was laid to rest - which looks tranquil enough, but the casket contains the great author's heart. He had wished to be buried at Stinstock with his late wife Emma, but his second wife Florence consented to have the rest of his body cremated and interred at Westminster Abbey.

 

Cyclists get married - 1930

Judging from this footage, cycling was controversial even in 1930. The police were needed to control the crowds outside the Bournemouth church where Gwen Hawkins and Mr B. S. Bennett were married. The couple arrived at the ceremony on bikes and left on a tandem with fellow members of the cycling club where they met.

 

Bournemouth's Wimbledon, featuring Fred Perry - 1934

Did you know Bournemouth was once host to the most important British tennis tournament apart from Wimbledon? The British Hard Court Championships were held in Bournemouth from 1927 to 1983, and Fred Perry won it five times. (Look out for more on this coming soon!)

Fred Perry won this final 8-6, 7-5, 6-1. The women are Dorothy Round and Peggy Scriven. Dorothoy Round won this final 6-2, 2-6, 8-6.

 

Troops attack Dorset's Beaches - 1934

Amazing footage of a large scale exercise on Sandbanks beach - look out for Old Harry in the back ground as the boats filled with soldiers head to the shore.

 

Log rolling - 1938

World champion log roller Bob Bradbourne shows off his skill in Bournemouth's indoor swimming pool. 
He is joined by Monica Gillot, Great Britain's Lady Champion of burling. Veronica Smeed, Monica's daughter, told the Gaurdian that Bob and Monica had a whirlwind romance after this meeting, married at Gretna Green, and went on a log-rolling tour of Britain's coastal towns.

 

Town criers contest, Bridport - 1938

Is it oh-yez, oyeh or oyez? In 1938 even the town criers didn't agree. 

 

The bathing ban is removed from Bournemouth beach - 1944

Children play on Bournemouth beach among the remains of barbed wire defences. 

 

Prince Philip leads the Near England XI out in Bournemouth -1949

Prince Philip leads 'Near England' against Hampshire at a charity cricket match for NPFA, featuring the legendary Denis Compton.

 

"Gallant little Bournemouth" take on Man United - 1957

The Cherries have been "gallant little Bournemouth" since at least 1957 when they took on Manchester United in the sixth round of the FA Cup. Featuring some amazing crowd reaction shots and a last minute penalty.

 

Caravan Man - 1958

To 1958 now, and the days when Parkstone was home to the world's largest caravan works. This film features William Knott, the owner of Bluebird Caravans. "It's not until the end of the working day that you'd know the difference between him and fellow workers: he leaves by car. It doesn't matter which one, they all belong to him."

He goes to play golf - on the course he owns, with his friend hairdresser Leonard Pountney, which prompts British Pathe to add; "Leonard Pountney, a hairdresser is filmed in a few other fantastic Colour Pictorial films. Bizarre as much as entertaining they are all highly recommended."

 

Before there was Sandworld - 1964

The orginal master sand worker, Fred Darrington, at work on a model of Michelangelo's 'Pieta'. Sandworld was founded by Fred's grandson.

 

And finally.... the teenage water postman - 1964

Teenage postman Alan Marsh delivers bread, milk and newspapers to the various islands in Poole Harbour, then puts his feet up on the way home. Alan spoke to the Echo five years ago about this video - read that story here - including how the cameraman nearly fell in Poole harbour under the weight of his equipment...