Monument record MWX3244 - Weymouth Harbour

First known use during Bronze Age, active port up until modern times. Several sites of potential archaeological importance, mostly post 19th century due to reclamation.

(1) Earliest known use is as port of entry from continent in Bronze Age. Supplied Roman fortress at Dorchester in during 1st century AD. Economic growth in 16th century with flourishing cloth trade. Acted as 'front line' during Civil War siege of Melcombe Regis 1645. In 18th century silting of estuary meant some trade moved to Poole but developed as a watering place and in 1794 chosen by Post office for introduction of packet service to the Channel islands. Reclamation in 19th and 20th century. Sites of Potential Archaeological importance: Westham Bridge 1859 (SY67707925) site of dam 1872 (SY67707918) site of buildings on reclaimed land west of Commercial Road 1850s to 1920s (SY67807915) site of Welsdford's Timber Pond 1835 (SY67787908) site of gas tunnel 1830s (SY67747903) site of earlier town bridge 1770 (SY67807870) present town bridge/site of original wooden bridge 1597 (SY67867870) custom house quay 17th century (SY67927873) site of town crane 17th century (SY67967872) site of Ayle's shipbuilding yard 19th century (SY68187869) site of demolished buildings at the northern end of Hope Street 18th century (SY68137865) site of demolished buildings to the north of the Old Rooms Inn 19th century (SY68037864) reclaimed land at cove 19th century (SY68087860) site of pier at cove 19th century (SY68077863) site of Conygar Ditch late 13th century (SY67847903) site of Gillingham's foundry 19th century (SY67807898) site of grave yard 19th to 20th century (SY67837898) site of dissenting chapel 1700 and later foundry mid 19th century (SY67807882) site of possible early quay 1600 (SY67807890) site of possible early quay 1600 (SY67777877) site of fort at the jetty (SY683-788-) site of salt houses (inferred) site of civil war defences (inferred)

Record last edited

May 20 2019 2:22PM