It is believed that Pokesdown took its name from the Old English word Pucca, which referred to a type of mischievous sprite.

In 1909 when Lock's Field was being developed into what is now Hillbrow Road, Herbert Druitt of Christchurch obtained permission from the owner, Mr. F. Elcock, to excavate two barrows on the site, and a notable Bronze Age cremation cemetery was found.

In 1926 more urns were found around Harewood Avenue, and between Lascelles Road and Kings Park entrance.

During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the district began to grow in association with the nearby Stourfield House.

[3] Eventually Pokesdown became more and more influenced by the phenomenal expansion of Bournemouth, so that ultimately in 1901 the district became incorporated into the newly formed County Borough.

[6] Pokesdown is part of the Bournemouth East parliamentary constituency, for elections to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.