Bournemouth

Bournemouth was founded in 1810 by Lewis Tregonwell, who was one of the first known settlers in the area. Tregonwell visited the beach with his wife, and they liked the area so much that he sank wells and built a house, which became the nucleus of modern Bournemouth. The area was originally known for smugglers, but began to develop as a town when Tregonwell made his settlement.

Bournemouth experienced rapid growth in the 19th century due to its popularity as a seaside resort and health spa. By the end of the century, it was large enough to gain borough status. On August 20, 1890, Bournemouth was formally incorporated as a municipal borough, allowing it to have its own local government independent from the county authorities.

During World War II, Bournemouth was targeted by the German Luftwaffe because of the presence of many hotels which had been requisitioned as barracks and military convalescent hospitals. On April 23, 1941, a notable air raid resulted in significant damage to the town center. Overseen by residents with bravery and resilience, the town's recovery efforts were robust and determined.

In 1954, Bournemouth residents successfully built what would be at the time the world's largest sandcastle on the festival coast. The event showcased the community spirit and creativity of the locals, attracting visitors and media attention. The sandcastle demonstrated the town's position as a premier seaside location in the UK.

Bournemouth University originated as the Bournemouth Municipal College in 1972, which later gained university status in 1992. The institution provided vocational education in response to growing demands and later expanded its offerings to include undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Today, it is known for its media courses, among others.

On April 1, 1974, Bournemouth was affected by the Local Government Act 1972 which reorganized administrative divisions across England. It became part of the newly formed County of Dorset. This strategic restructuring aimed to create greater efficiency and local governmental coherence, although the decision was met with resistance and debate locally.

The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) opened on 28 May 1990, establishing itself as one of the leading conference, entertainment, and exhibition venues in southern England. The opening boosted the local economy and tourism significantly, providing a platform for large-scale events and performances on the South Coast.

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, one of Bournemouth's top cultural attractions, underwent an extensive renovation and was reopened on November 11, 1998. These improvements preserved its renowned art collections and enhanced visitor facilities. It remains unique for its blend of art, history, and architecture set against the coastal landscape.

In 2002, an artificial reef was constructed at Boscombe as part of a regeneration plan to boost the local economy and create new surf opportunities. The Boscombe Surf Reef became Europe's first artificial surfing reef. Its creation sparked discussions about local regeneration, tourism, and marine environmental concerns.

The Bournemouth Airshow, a new event in the summer calendar, was held for the first time on August 21, 2015. The event featured spectacular air displays, including the Red Arrows, and drew large crowds. Recognized as a premier aviation event, it played a major role in boosting tourism and local business during the summer season.

On June 1, 2019, a climate change protest occurred in Bournemouth. Organized by Extinction Rebellion, it drew attention to coastal erosion and the environmental challenges faced by seaside towns due to climate change. The event was part of a broader movement pushing for environmental reform and highlighted in national media.