In the eighteenth century Poole was enjoying a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity thanks to the cod trade and large imports of salt. The merchants founded wealthy dynasties – the ‘Merchant Princes’ of Poole. Through alliances and intermarriage these newly rich traders formed an elite group within the town. By 1802, there were 350 ships in the Poole fleet.
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As Poole buildings became elaborate, so did its systems of power. The new elite ‘gate-crashed’ the old system of inherited privilege. Poole people made money by trade as well as inheritance and more people had a taste of the high life! In Poole Museum you can see the silverware and coats of arms their new wealth bought.
What happened next? ... Go to the GUILDHALL trail hotspotbetween MARKET ST and NEW ORCHARD ST or enter code TRADE
Guildhall