Poole Harbour and lies just inside the entrance. Brownsea Island has a colourful history from the time Henry VIII built a blockhouse here in 1545-7 as part of his coastal defences . in 17th century the blockhouse was transformed into an imitation Castle, and quantities of tree planted. A crenellated coastguard station was built in 1842. In 1852 a Colonel Waugh bought the island and made many changes, setting up a large scale pottery on the south side of the island to produce drainage and sewage pipes and terracotta. He rebuilt the church, completed the reclamation of St.Andrews Bay, refronted the castle and the family Pier. During his time the population of the island increased from 12 to 200. His Bankruptcy in 1857 was hastened by his wife. When alone at the Castle she saw a boat approaching containing the Corporation of Poole (men who were also the local tradesman). They were coming to ask Col. Waugh if he would be their parliamentary candidate but being deaf she could not understand them and shouted 'Only give us time and we will pay'. The next owner was a collector who embellished the church, Cavendish Bentink. The pottery ceased production in 1887. Although the castle burnt to a shell in 1896, it was reconstructed by 1901 and bought by Mr. van Raalte, who entertained lavishly there. About 1910 a new industry started growing daffodils for sale as cut flowers. From 1927-1961 the island was owned by Mrs Bonham-Cristie, who was virtually a recluse and who let the island become a wilderness. Two-thirds of the island was burnt in 1934. On her death it was bought by the National Trust. Owned by the National Trust, it offers magnificent views across the harbour and the Purbeck Hills.