The Guildhall was the hub of Poole’s power and trade in the nineteenth century.

Power and Trade

Even though the Newfoundland Trade had declined, not all merchants faced ruin. From 1847, local traders could transport goods to and from Poole by rail rather than boat or cart. Life for Poole people improved. Poole’s first public library and parks opened in1887 and 1890. As civic power passed to elected officials – courts, magistrate sand police – ordinary people had more say in how their lives were run.

Guildhall was home to Poole’s markets and parties, as well as law and order. Market Street led up to its door. You can imagine the crowds and processions that collected on this street!

Keeping the Peace

The first floor of the Guildhall was used for all meetings of the Poole Corporation, and from 1836 for meetings of the new Town Council which then replaced the Poole Corporation. This use continued until 1932 when the new Municipal Buildings were opened. For 150 years the building was also used for the Poole Quarter Sessions, the Poole Court of Record and the Magistrates' Court, and until1835 it was also used for the Poole Court of Admiralty.

Pomp and Ceremony

Election days brought throngs of people to the Guildhall as bands played and speeches were made to heckling crowds.

In 1814, Market Street hosted a feast for 5,000 people in celebration of what was believed to be the end of the Napoleonic Wars.