<P> Before it was founded in 1810 by Lewis Tregonwell , the area was a deserted heathland occasionally visited by fishermen and smugglers . Initially marketed as a health resort , the town received a boost when it appeared in Augustus Granville 's 1841 book , The Spas of England . Bournemouth 's growth truly accelerated with the arrival of the railway and it became a recognised town in 1870 . Historically part of Hampshire , it joined Dorset with the reorganisation of local government in 1974 . Since 1997 , the town has been administered by a unitary authority , meaning it is independent of Dorset County Council , although it remains part of that ceremonial county . The local council is Bournemouth Borough Council . </P>
<P> Before it was founded in 1810 by Lewis Tregonwell , the area was a deserted heathland occasionally visited by fishermen and smugglers . Initially marketed as a health resort , the town received a boost when it appeared in Augustus Granville 's 1841 book , The Spas of England . Bournemouth 's growth truly accelerated with the arrival of the railway and it became a recognised town in 1870 . Historically part of Hampshire , it joined Dorset with the reorganisation of local government in 1974 . Since 1997 , the town has been administered by a unitary authority , meaning it is independent of Dorset County Council , although it remains part of that ceremonial county . The local council is Bournemouth Borough Council . </P>
when did bournemouth change from hampshire to dorset
when did bournemouth change from hampshire to dorset
1974
1974