Broadstone, Dorset is a small town near Poole in South England. Since 1840 it has grown from a small farm to be home to 10,000 people. Centering around the main road, The Broadway (B307) is busy hub of shops, hairdressers, churches, schools and housing. It is notable in the area for its large recreation fields and heathland park, as well as the annual Christmas Parade and Lights.

[[Image:broadway_02.jpg] The Broadway]

History

In 1840, "Broadstone Farm" was built, and a railway line bypassed it in 1847. Its first church was built in 1853, which later became the scout hall. The first station, built in 1872, was named "New Poole Junction", and after several name revisions, became "Broadstone" in 1890. Broadstone First School originated as a "dame" school, founded in 1871. At the turn of the century, lavender oil started being produced. This ceased in 1935 when the factory burnt down, but much lavender can still be found in the area.

The name "Broadstone"

Legend has it that a number of "broad stones" were laid across a local stream to enabling people to cross over without wetting their feet. This stream flows in the valley between Clarendon Road and Springdale Road, and the stones were located close to the Brookdale Farm. The Stepping Stones pub was named in honour of this, and displays a large stone outside its beer garden. Rumoured to be the original, it was stolen decades ago and has since been replaced by a replica.

Alfred Russel Wallace

The Victorian biologist, naturalist and philosopher lived in Broadstone during the last few years of his life.

External Links

Broadstone.NET

Broadstone Population Statistics