Upton House, Dorset

The land on which Upton House stands was acquired by William Spurrier, four times Mayor of Poole.

[1] The Spurriers had built their wealth on the Newfoundland trade, but this went into decline and this, coupled with Christopher Spurrier's gambling and extravagance, force him to sell the property in 1828 to Sir Edward Doughty, a member of the Tichborne family.

The council looked at various options to fund its upkeep including plans for a zoo, hospital or golf course.

In 1976 it was decided that, based on public opinion, the estate would be opened that year as a country park and leisure facility for the people of Poole.

[2] Upton House is a Georgian mansion and Grade II* listed building.