The Unwritten Story of Bournemouth

The unwritten story of Bournemouth…  What is the truth here if any – old money is old money…

Herrison House

When looking into the origins of Herrison House (Dorchester) and thinking about the poor souls who’ve bought property there – oops!  Not a very wise choice.

This place, for the many inmates was often likened to one of the fallen death camps…nice – not!  My point, simple who were the founding inmates (pioneers) – women.  Way back in the dark ages – I jest! 18th c.  The thinking amongst many of the men (founding fathers of Bournemouth) thought that any woman with an Estate should re-marry or be married – why?  So the men could have access to the wealth this hard line thinking has not changed.

If you were able to take a look at the records you will note there are more women than men.  Most of whom were being sectioned at the ‘drop of a hat’.  Their crime – none.

The Slavery of Women

With the arrival of the hotel trade this behind the scenes only compounded an already delicate situation.  The attitude being one of total money orientation – cheap labour?  Once the first hotels had been established it set the trend for more to follow suit.  Over time the town would establish a strong link based on ‘old money’, and never having to pay the actual going work rate…  There is of course the wonderful story of the infamous airport signing which was totally to the detriment of the town’s workforce.  Allegedly in 1975 a group of local Masons (probably Templars) signed a treaty with the airport refusing any proposed expansion programme – why – they wouldn’t have to pay the going rate for wages.  With the airport expanding, the town’s elders would no longer have a monopoly.

Have times really changed

Now let’s swing back in time to the Toll Puddle Martyrs…What crime did they really commit – none.  The behind the scenes story, is based on them wanting to form their own lodge, so as to achieve a fair and guaranteed wage like the people of the north.  Highly unlikely in the south due to the excessive snobbery and the fact that a lot of the wealthy northerners would holiday in the south or own a summer retreat here.

So have times really changed? – watch this space…