On Friday 24 April 1812, two hundred years ago today, Lewis Tregonwell and his wife arrived in Bournemouth to spend their first night in the first house to be built overlooking the bay.
It’s a day for quiet celebration. We may have marked the 200th anniversary of the town in 2010 but it is interesting to remember that it took two years to build that first house for the first residents.
The mansion was the focus of the town, the scene of mayor making and Royal visits. Today as an hotel it is a landmark for visitors and conference delegates at the BIC opposite.
Lewis Tregonwell lies in the churchyard of St Peter’s Church which is being floodlit in his honour tonight.
Tonight’s Daily Echo carries my contribution to highlight the day.