The genesis of Springbourne

While the men were engaged in building Bournemouth's grand hotels and piers, the women of Victoria Road fostered a massive cottage industry. A significant percentage of early female residents listed their occupations as laundresses or dressmakers, providing essential services to the wealthy tourists visiting the town.

Inside the cottages 

Some of the original brickwork is still visible today.

In 1871 Charles Friston and his family lived at 89 Victoria Road and his profession was a coachman, he would of probably worked for a family on the Eastcliff area transporting them around in a horse and carriage.

In 1871, a coachman was a highly skilled, respected, and trusted domestic servant. Responsible for driving horse-drawn carriages, they managed the horses, maintained the vehicles, and directed the stable staff. Because owning horses was an exclusive sign of wealth, coachmen were the public face of an affluent family.

In 1891 Frank Stripp, his wife and 3 children lived at 89.

He was a Baker by trade.

By 1901 John Haywood and his family had moved into 89 with his wife and three children. John was a builder by trade.

In 1911 Esther Johns a widower aged 48 had moved in to 89 with her daughter Lillian aged 25. They lived there alone and where both dressmakers. Esther had also lost a child previously.

Recorders show by 1921 Harry Burgum, his wife and children had moved into 89, They also had two lodgers of which one of them worked at the Dolphin Hotel just around the corner. This would of been a much needed extra income as Harry was a Labourer at the time.

In 1922 the three cottages, Nos. 89, 91 and 93 were sold including a block of stabling and store at the rear.