In the early days of the last century Georgina Talbot and her sister Mary Anne were brought to Bournemouth for their holidays by their father, Sir George Talbot of Berkeley Square in London. Georgina in particular was shocked by the poverty of the local people who were suffering real hardship after the Enclosure Act of 1822 had abolished their traditional right to free grazing, game and fuel on the surrounding common land.
The two sisters resolved to sell property they had inherited in London and found a model community. During subsequent years they built 6 farms, 7 almshouses, a school and 19 substantial cottages, each with its own well and an acre of land. The area was named “Talbot Village”. They also restored grazing rights on the heath and land nearby. Finally, they built St Mark's Church which was completed in 1870. Sadly the second service in the new church was the funeral of Georgina Talbot but her sister Mary Anne remained to finish the work.
The two sisters resolved to sell property they had inherited in London and found a model community. During subsequent years they built 6 farms, 7 almshouses, a school and 19 substantial cottages, each with its own well and an acre of land. The area was named “Talbot Village”. They also restored grazing rights on the heath and land nearby. Finally, they built St Mark's Church which was completed in 1870. Sadly the second service in the new church was the funeral of Georgina Talbot but her sister Mary Anne remained to finish the work.
In 1970 a more spacious porch was added to the church, allegedly so that brides could more decorously adjust their wedding dresses, but in 1986 growing congregations necessitated a major extension to the building. A design was chosen that, although strikingly modern, fitted superbly with the original Victorian concept. The new design was built northwards from the original church and incorporated the chancel as a chapel.
The new memorial window, the warmth of the timbered roof and the gleaming brass of the chandeliers with tiers of sparkling globes are an inspiration to worshippers. The Trustees of the Talbot family were benefactors but local people worked hard to make a substantial contribution to the new building.
In 1992, again with help from the Trustees and a tremendous effort on the part of the congregation, the new hall was opened with its link to the Church. This has enabled St Mark’s to expand and enlarge its mission of service to the people of Talbot Village and beyond.
The new memorial window, the warmth of the timbered roof and the gleaming brass of the chandeliers with tiers of sparkling globes are an inspiration to worshippers. The Trustees of the Talbot family were benefactors but local people worked hard to make a substantial contribution to the new building.
In 1992, again with help from the Trustees and a tremendous effort on the part of the congregation, the new hall was opened with its link to the Church. This has enabled St Mark’s to expand and enlarge its mission of service to the people of Talbot Village and beyond.
A more detailed history of St Mark’s Church entitled “A Victorian Dream”
is available from the Church or the Church Office at a cost of £2.50.
is available from the Church or the Church Office at a cost of £2.50.
A Parish with a Fascinating History
