In Corn Market, there are clues of past trades all around you, whether it be the light installation under the trees representing the outline of past shops, the empty metal hanging sign brackets that still align the walls, sun-faded advertising signs and the names of streets and houses provide hints of past occupants too like Cornmarket House, Cinnamon House, and Old Orchard.

In the 17th century, this area had a pitched corn market in the open space with sheds erected for traders to weigh their goods for taxes. The tax was three quarters of a wine pint on every bushel of grain or meal and much haggling would have taken place.

Can you spot the royal marker

In 1665, King Charles II visited Poole on his way to Salisbury. He dined with George Skutt and his family at a large manor called the Priory on the southeast side of Corn market. Today, a decorative tiled plaque marks the sport.

Victorian Corn Market

By Victorian times, many traders in Poole were doing well but instead of merchants associated with the port, there were also many professionals or tradesmen.

There were stationer/printers, ironmongers, solicitors, surgeons and chemists. As traders prospered, their premises grew with traders installing larger, modern shop fronts, windows and signage proudly identifying the family name.

Notable examples included:

• Walter J. Bacon’s Ironmongers (later Bacon & Curtis Ltd.)
• J. Travers and Co. Beehive Clothing Store
• Poole Town and County Bank, which played a key role in supporting merchants involved in the lucrative Newfoundland trade

Shop workers had gruelling hours, often working 70–90 hours a week. In time, they gained a break with "early closing" at 5 PM on Wednesdays.

With no alarm clocks, workers were woken up early in the mornings by ‘knocker-uppers’, tapping on their windows with a long pole and one of these was a Poole lady, often referred to as Granny Cousins who continued to work well into older age.

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