Speaker: David Warhurst

David will talk about the history of the foundries of Poole from the early 1800’s and give an insight into their owners and families in that period- the beginning of the industrial revolution. The products manufactured from the foundries were mainly agricultural implements made from wrought iron and then cast iron. They also made steam engines and other engineering items but their demise was due to the invention of steel in the mid to late 1800’s. Many of the foundries were family owned by prominent members of society including councillors, mayors and JP’s. David will describe some of the remaining products that still remain in Poole including drain and gully covers and lamp posts.