Poole is a town steeped in history, dating back to the pre-medieval times when it was a bustling shipping port. From its early days of trading with Newfoundland and smuggling goods through secret tunnels, to the current times of tourism and diversified economy, the town has seen many changes. In this article, retired Councillor, Daniel Martin explores the economic development of Old Poole starting with the unconventional economics of the infamous pirate Harry Paye.
Harry Paye and the Smuggling Trade
In the early 14th century, Harry Paye was a notorious pirate based in Poole. Despite his illicit activities, Paye was seen as a hero by the locals, as he often targeted wealthy merchants who refused to pay taxes to the king. Then Councillor Martin recognised the value of promoting this aspect of Poole’s history and worked towards highlighting the town’s pirate past through various events and activities. This not only contributed to the town’s tourism industry but also created a sense of pride in the town’s history among its residents.
Shipping and Trading – From Newfoundland to the World
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Poole was a major centre for the trade with Newfoundland. The retired councillor recognised the importance of this aspect of the town’s history and worked towards strengthening ties with the Canadian province by establishing sister city relationships with St. John’s and Torbay. These ties helped promote trade and investment opportunities between the two regions and further cemented Poole’s reputation as a trading hub.
Economic Downturn and Planning for Revitalisation
The town faced a significant economic downturn in the late 20th century, with a decline in the shipping industry and local jobs. The retired councillor recognised the need for proactive measures to address this challenge and worked towards creating new business opportunities and jobs in the town. Through initiatives such as the promotion of tourism, development of the town’s cultural sector, and support for small businesses via the Kingcup and Broadstone regeneration projects, they helped mitigate the impact of the recession and bolstered the town’s economic prospects.
Tourism and Diversity of Visitors
The retired councillor recognised tourism as a potential driver of economic growth in the town and worked towards promoting Poole as a destination for visitors from all over the world. By highlighting the town’s history, culture, and natural beauty, they attracted a diverse range of visitors to Poole. This helped create new jobs, increased spending in the local economy through the Kingcup and Broadstone regeneration and fostered a sense of pride and belonging among the town’s residents.
Conclusion
The story of Harry Paye and the town’s historical significance in the shipping and trading industries serves as a reminder of the potential for economic development in Poole. The retired councillor recognised this potential and worked towards promoting the town’s history, tourism industry, and diversification of the economy. Their efforts have helped to create new opportunities, bolstered the town’s economic prospects, and fostered a sense of community pride in Poole.
Retired Councillor Daniel Martin worked across various council portfolios and continues promoting the interests of Poole residents.