Weymouth
The Romans, Saxons and Normans, in their turn, all appear to have appreciated the value of the River Wey as a safe anchorage, and there is evidence of settlements here throughout the early centuries AD. Weymouth as we know it, however, began life as two distinct townships sited on opposite sides of the River Wey - Melcombe Regis to the north and Weymouth to the south. Both ports enjoyed prosperity thanks to involvement in the wool trade during the 13th century, but in 1348 the Black Death arrived in England, infected rats coming ashore at Melcombe Regis - this scourge halved the population within two years. Trade gradually recovered and improved throughout the late 15th and early 16th centuries, most especially when Henry VIII built Sandsfoot Castle here in 1539 as a link in his south coast defences. In 1571 Melcombe Regis and Weymouth were officially united and despite Melcombe being the larger of the two, Weymouth's name was adopted.
In 1780, the Duke of Gloucester decided to spend the winter at Weymouth, and was so impressed by the beaches and surrounding area that he built a grand mansion on the seafront, now the Gloucester Hotel, persuading his brother George III to pay a visit. The king arrived in 1789, remaining for the duration of ten weeks as he recovered from an illness. Bathing naked from the privacy of a horsedrawn hut on wheels, hauled into the sea to the accompaniment of a brass band, George repeated this routine annually until 1805, pronouncing the benefits to be derived from the healthy outdoor pursuit of sea-bathing. When George III dipped his royal person into the waters of Weymouth Bay he became the first reigning monarch to take up sae-bathing, thereby ensuring the future prosperity of the ancient town. Wealthy Georgians followed the king's example and descended upon the town in droves; the result of their patronage is evident along the Esplanade and in the streets behind, lined with elegant Georgian and Regency buildings. The beach and promenade are watched over by two elaborately ornate statues. The first, built in 1810, is of George III and is an unashamed gesture of appreciation for the royal patronage from a grateful town, ostensibly to commemorate the king's golden jubilee. The second, equally over ornate, is the red, blue and gold painted clock tower celebrating Queen Victoria's 50 years of rule in 1887.
When the railway arrived in 1857 bringing with it many new visitors, the continuing prosperity of Weymouth was assured. This up- turn in fortunes was further enhanced when the rail line was extended along the harbour quay, thereby enabling Weymouth to become a major port for cross-Channel services to Cherbourg and the Channel Islands. The broad promenade curves gently around a sweeping crescent of sandy beach to the old harbour area of the town; transformed in recent years it now features a host of shops, pubs, restaurants and entertainments. Nothe Fort is located in this old area; built in 1860 as a part of the Portland Harbour defences it originally housed a 12-gun battery of massive cannons. It was later adapted for modern guns and remained in service until 1956 when Coastal Defence was abandoned; the fort now functions as a military and weaponry museum. The Deep Sea Adventure, housed in a listed Victorian grain warehouse, details the history of diving and includes displays on some of the area's famous shipwrecks. Remaining in the old harbour quarter, the Brewer's Quay is an exciting complex of attractions that includes the Town Museum and the famous Timewalk Journey. In the Timewalk visitors can see, hear and smell six centuries of Weymouth history by ‘experiencing' events such as the Black Death, the Civil War, Smuggling and the looting of a Spanish Galleon. Discovery is also in this complex; a multimedia interaction science exhibition aimed at children of all ages. The look of the old town is perhaps best-captured in Trinity Street, where 16th century Tudor House is built of Portland stone with stone mullions and twin gables. Tudor House was originally two cottages saved from demolition, restored and furnished in period style, they can be visited as a museum.