Boscombe Pier

Boscombe () is a suburb in Bournemouth England. Historically in Hampshire, but today in Dorset, it is located to the east of Bournemouth town centre and west of Southbourne. Originally a sparsely inhabited area of heathland, from around 1865 Boscombe developed rapidly from a small village into a seaside resort alongside Bournemouth. Its first pier opened in 1889. There are numerous architectural styles within the town, ranging from the elaborate Victorian style of the Royal Arcade and St Clement's Church, notable examples of Art Deco such as the former Gas & Water Company store at 709 Christchurch Road, and the modernist 1950s styles of the pier and Overstrand buildings. Alongside these are modern flats developments such as The Reef, The Point (sometimes called the Pointer by some residents) and Honeycombe Beach. The nickname Bos Vegas has gained popularity in recent years and occurs with slight spelling variation in the names of two Boscombe businesses. Boscombe is home to AFC Bournemouth, who play at Dean Court. Many fans still refer to AFC Bournemouth as Boscombe, a reference to the original names of Boscombe St John's and Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic FC (the word Boscombe was dropped in 1972). There is a thriving street market in the High Street on Thursdays and Saturdays as well as a vintage market on the first Saturday of every month.