All Saints Branksome Park
Branksome Park is undoubtedly one of the smarter neighbourhoods of Poole, although some think it really belongs to Bournemouth. It was developed from about 1880 as an elegant up-market residential area where the large houses were furnished with equally large gardens. Now, many have succumbed to blocks of flats, but the tranquil wooded feel remains.
All Saints church was designed by Burton & Stevens and built in 1877 to provide for the spiritual needs of this growing community. It is a simple chapel style building that features a bellcote and a polygonal apse. Nevertheless, inside the work was beautifully executed and the large windows allow natural light to flood in. This was to be Burton & Stevens only church in Dorset, but their legacy is a building that harmonises perfectly with its surroundings.
The Trust gratefully acknowledges images and text by Robin Adeney ©