Our History & Gallery
Over a century of service, sacrifice, and community. The Poole Branch has been at the heart of Dorset's Armed Forces community since the Legion's founding.
A Century of Service
The Royal British Legion was founded in 1921 to support those who had served in the First World War. The Poole Branch has been a cornerstone of the local Armed Forces community in Dorset ever since — rooted in a proud tradition stretching back to 1914.
The Beginning — Herring's Hotel
Local ex-servicemen begin meeting at Herring's Hotel on North Road, Poole, laying the foundations for what would become the Poole Ex-Servicemen's Club — a place of friendship, comradeship, and support.
Finding a Home
The Club moves to various premises across Poole, including the Merton Exchange, as the ex-servicemen's community grows in the years following the First World War.
North Road Site Acquired
Trustees acquire the North Road site, giving the Club a permanent base. A formal conveyance is drawn up, securing the property for the long-term benefit of ex-service personnel and their dependants.
Formally Registered
On 1 March 1939 the Club is formally registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1893. It continues to support veterans throughout the Second World War.
Conveyed to the British Legion
On 31 October 1954 the premises are conveyed to the British Legion (later the Royal British Legion) to be held in trust for the benefit of ex-servicemen and women in Poole and the surrounding district — protecting veteran welfare and community use in perpetuity.
A Spitfire Passes By
In May 1974 a Spitfire aircraft is transported past the Ex-Servicemen's Club on North Road on its way to the RAF exhibition at the Poole Boat Show — a memorable moment in the Club's history, captured by the Daily Echo.
Centenary of the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion marks over 105 years of service. The Poole Branch reflects on more than a century of dedication to the Armed Forces community and looks ahead to the next chapter.
The Club Closes — A Final Chapter
After many decades of service, the Club closes its doors. The property is transferred back to the Royal British Legion, the site is sold, and the building is subsequently demolished to make way for new housing. Sale proceeds are transferred into the Poole Branch Property Trust to support future veteran services and welfare.
A New Chapter Begins
In 2026, the Poole Branch submits a proposal to RBL HQ for a new veterans' hub. The proposal has been agreed in principle and will be put forward to Royal British Legion Trustees for a final decision later this year. The Branch awaits the outcome with anticipation. Surveyors are now looking at the proposed building and working out costings. Any branch member who would like to read Proposal Version 8 is welcome to do so — please contact the Chairman, who is happy to share it with you.
Poole Ex-Servicemen's Club
The Poole Ex-Servicemen's Club was formed during the First World War when local ex-servicemen met at Herring's Hotel on North Road, Poole. For over a century it served as a place of friendship, welfare support, and comradeship for veterans and their families across Poole and Dorset. In 1954 the premises were conveyed to the British Legion to be held in trust — protecting veteran welfare, community use, and non-political operation for generations to come. The Club finally closed in 2023, its legacy living on through the Poole Branch Property Trust. In 2026 the Branch submitted a proposal to RBL HQ for a new veterans' hub — agreed in principle and awaiting a final decision from RBL Trustees later this year.
Gallery
A snapshot of our branch life — from Remembrance parades and fundraising events to social gatherings and community moments in Poole and Dorset.
