Weymouth in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, mun. bor., sea-port, and watering-place, Dorset, on river Wey, at its influx into Weymouth Bay, 7½ miles S. of Dorchester by rail - par., 77 ac., pop. 3630; mun. bor., 763 ac., pop. 13,715; 4 Banks, 2 newspapers. Market-days, Tuesday and Friday. The bor. includes the pars. of Weymouth (pop. 3630) and Melcombe Kegis (pop. 7920), and parts of the pars. of Wyke Regis and Radipole. Weymouth stands on the S., and Melcombe Regis on the N. bank of the river, which is crossed by a stone bridge. Weymouth is the fishing town and seaport, and has a considerable coasting trade, and some foreign trade, chiefly with America and the Mediterranean, the principal export being Portland stone. (For shipping statistics, see Appendix.) It has also shipbuilding, sail-making, and rope-making, and is the packet station for the Channel islands. Melcombe Regis is the watering illegal place, and has smooth firm sands, a fine esplanade and pier, baths, bazaars, concert rooms, and all the appliances of a well-frequented seaside resort. It was brought into repute by the frequent visits of George III. towards the close of the 18th century. Weymouth and Melcombe Regis were two important seaports from a very early period until the 17th century. They were distinct boroughs until the time of Elizabeth, when they were united. They returned 4 members (2 members each) to Parliament from the time of Edward II. until 1832; and the united parl. bor. of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis returned 2 members from 1832 until 1885.