A Royal Visit
When Charles II visited Poole in 1665, he dined at two houses in this Cornmarket area of the High Street. First at the house of Peter Hiley, where he was entertained in the grand parlour.
The King then visited Brownsea Island and on return to the quay:
‘from whence he went on foote to the house of the said Coll Skutt, the said Sheriff going before, and the said mayor and Edward Man, senior bayliffe, bearing their maces before him, where was a stately banquett provided for him’.
Ancient Alleyways
As you explore the Old Town, look out for narrow alleyways between the buildings. Nearby is Bowling Green Alley and there are many more linking Strand Street with the Quay.
Some of these alleyways could mark the location of medieval jetties, or raised walkways, used to carry goods across the marshy harbour edge before a proper quay was built.
Did you know?
Boone’s hardware store has been trading since the 1820s when it began as Farmer’s and was later bought by William Edward Boone.