Branksome Beach was spot for illicit goods and smuggling

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Originally, it was a wild heathland notorious for smuggling activities. Over time, it transformed into a prestigious residential area.

Branksome's rugged coastline made it an ideal hideout for smugglers and Branksome Beach was a popular landing spot for illicit goods.

The Bruce family, who owned the estate in the early 1800s, initiated a significant transformation by planting pine trees, shaping the area's character. The estate was named Branksome Park, inspired by Sir Walter Scott's poem.

Read more: Do you remember this old Bournemouth pub?

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Branksome Park estate underwent development, leading to the creation of the elegant suburb we know today.

Branksome became an official suburb of Poole in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, most open spaces were developed.

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