V 
 
 i 5 ^ 
 
 

 * 
 
 ..’l 
 
 f 
 
 r 
 
 ■>- . 
 
 4 
 
 < - 
 
 . 
 
 ■ | ■ 
 
 
 ■ " 
 
 . 
 

 i 
 
 
 

 Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2016 
 
 https://archive.org/details/weymouthguideexhOOdela 
 
MOUTH 
 
THE 
 
 WEYMOUTH GUIDE: 
 
 EXHIBITING THE 
 
 ANCIENT AND PRESENT STATE OF 
 
 WEYMOUTH and MELCOMBE REGIS; 
 
 WITH A DESCRIPTION OF 
 
 Milton Abbey, Sherborne Caftle, 
 Lulworth Caftle, the Ifland of Portland, 
 
 And every other Place, 
 
 Worthy the ATTENTION of STRANGERS 
 
 WHO VISIT 
 
 WEYMOUTH. 
 
 Embellilhed with a View of the Bay, and a P L a n of 
 Sandsfoot Castle. 
 
 The SECOND EDITION, Enlarged and Corrected. 
 
 V • / 
 
 WEYMOUTH: 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE EDITOR. 
 
 Sold at the Library in St. Thomas’s Street; by M. Davis, Sackville 
 Street, Piccadilly; and E. Newbury, St. Paul’s Church Yard, London; 
 J. Fletcher, in Oxford ; at Mr. Bull’s Library, Bath ; and by Thorn, at 
 Exeter. 
 
 (Price One Shilling and Sixpence,) 
 
■ 
 
( i>» > 
 
 
 
 3niv c'j . . i u 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 T H E Editor of this little Work, firft pub- 
 lifhed in the year 1785, gratefully acknow- 
 ledges the favourable reception he has experienced ; 
 and being called upon by his Publisher for a 
 Second Edition, begs leave to inform the 
 Reader, that by the affiflance of his Friends, 
 and from his own refearches, he has been enabled 
 to enlarge his defcription, which he has now em- 
 bellifhed by an elegant Engravinq of the Bay, 
 and a Plan of the Old Castle, 
 
 N. ^ 
 
 The communications of many refpedtable per^ 
 fonages in the place and its neighbourhood, with 
 
 A 2 his 
 
( iv* ) 
 
 his own feledtions from a large body of matter, ip 
 which the ancient History of Weymouth lies 
 difperfed, he flatters himfelf may at leaft claim the 
 merit of accuracy. In defcribing its prefent ftate 
 he has confined himfelf to what he conceives molt 
 ufeful to Parties who vifit the place fot the bene- 
 fit of Air, and for Sea Bathing ; to whom, as 
 well as to Parties of Pleasure, it is hoped this 
 little narrative will prove an ufeful as well as ap 
 entertaining companion. 
 
C 5 ) 
 
 WEYMOUTH. 
 
 HIS place comprehends two diftindt boroughs" 
 
 which were united by an adt pafled in the 
 feign of Queen Elizabeth. A fmall arm of the 
 fea, over which is a wooden bridge* feparates and 
 diftinguilhes each town* and forms a commodious 
 harbour. — The mod: modern and beft built part of 
 thefe towns is Melcombe Regis. The old town, 
 originally Weymouth, (lands on the other fide of 
 the Water. But both are now known by the 
 general Name of Weymouth, which lies on the 
 Britifh Channel (in 2® 34' of Weft longitude, 
 and 50° 38' North latitude) 8-8 leagues by fea* 
 and 128 meafured miles by land from London £ 
 65 miles from Bath, and eight miles South of 
 Dorchefter, the County Town. 
 
 Weymouth takes its name from its fituation on. 
 the mouth of the little river Wey 1 which rifes at 
 the pleafant village Upway, four miles diftant, of 
 which more will be fpojcen hereafter. 
 
 A 3 
 
 What 
 
6 
 
 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 What the celebrated Dr. Arbuthnot faid of 
 Dorchefler, when he, in his early days, came to 
 that place, with a view to fettle, might more 
 juflly be applied to Weymouth; “ that a Phyfician 
 could neither live nor die there.” Indeed, fo pure, 
 mild, and foft is the air of Weymouth, that it 
 ftands juftly recommended as the Mountpelier of 
 England : nor can any Wronger proof be adduced 
 of the mildnefs of the climate, than that here both 
 the large and fmall leaved myrtles fland out all the 
 winter without ihelter, and againft many of the 
 houfes rife to the chamber windows, bioflbming in 
 a mofl beautiful ftyle ; all kinds of Geraniums 
 alfo flourifh luxuriantly at this place, with very 
 little care ; and, what is fomewhat remarkable, a 
 leaf will vegetate. 
 
 Mr. Baxter fays, “ The Tounlet of Waymouth 
 * c lyith ftrait again Mihon y (i. e. Melcomb') on the 
 cc other fide of the Haven, and at this place the 
 “ water of the Haven is but of a fmall brede 
 “ [ breadth ] ; and the trajetlus Ipaffage over J is by 
 ** a bote or a rope bent over the Haven ; fo that 
 “ yn the ferry-boote they ufe no ores. JVaigh mouth 
 iC hath certain liberties and privileges, but ther is 
 (C no Mair \_Mayor\ in it. Ther is a kay and warf 
 “ for Ihippes. By this towne, on an hille is a 
 66 chapeile of eafe. The paroch chirch is a mile 
 cc off. The fea ebbith and flowith up about a tv/o 
 u miles beyond Waymouth* Ther is a litle bar 
 
 “ of 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 f 
 
 u of fand at the Haven mouth. Ther rinneth up 
 “ by the fight hond of the Haven a great arme of 
 “ the fea ; and fcant a mile or half a mile, or 
 “ more, above the Haven mouth, on the fhore of 
 “ this arme, is a right goodly and warlike Caftle 
 <c made, having one open barbieane^ This arme 
 u rennith up farther a mile as in a bay to a point 
 “ point of land, wher a trajedfus is into Portland, 
 by a long caufey of pible and fand.” 
 
 In the Saxon times it was become a place of 
 fome note, for there is a Saxon charter extant, by 
 which King Ethelred gave a certain portion of land 
 in that place, called by the inhabitants Weymouth 
 (or Wick ) near the Hand of Portland, to his faith- 
 ful Miniftei* At fere , to poffefs it during his life, and 
 leave the inheritance of it at his death to whom he 
 pleafed. It was figned by the King, with the figii 
 of the crofs ; by Dunflan, Archbilhop of Canter- 
 bury ; Ofwald, Archbifhop of York ; the Bilhops 
 of Athelwold, Lyning, Berold ; the Minifters 
 Aethilfner, See. 
 
 Leland and Coker obferve, that Weymouth and 
 Melcombe Regis rofe originally from fmall begin 
 nings from the conveniency of the harbour, for 
 
 * Barbicane or barhacan , a cleft or apperture left in the wall* 
 5o fhoot through ; alfo any outward defence againft the enemy 
 a fort at the entrance of a bridge, without the town, having* 
 double wall and towers ; probably it is a corrupted term ; it is a 
 Moorifh word, but we have it from the Spaniards or Italians. 
 
 A 4 there 
 
8 
 
 )• , 
 
 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 there was no church in Melcombe till 1605, it 
 having been included in Radipole. In Edward the 
 Illd’s -reign, 1347* Weymouth, Melcombe, and 
 Lyme, had orders to fend their fhips then appoint- 
 ed to Portfmouth, the King being about to fail for 
 Gafcony ; that Monarch landed here from France, 
 having been five weeks at fea in bad weather, and 
 driven on the coaflof Spain. Weymouth furnifhed 
 that Prince with 20 fhips and 264 mariners at the 
 fiege of Calais, according to the roll of that fleet in 
 a MS. in the Cotton Library. — Hackluit fays 1 5 
 fhips and 263 mariners. Even that was a quota 
 far beyond any port in this part of the kingdom ; 
 for at that time Pool fent only four fhips and 94 
 mariners, Brijlol 22 fhips and 608 mariners, London 
 25 fhips and 662 mariners. 
 
 The French had many times attempted to burn 
 the town, and deftroy the inhabitants. 
 
 In 1471, nth Edward III. Queen Margaret of 
 Anjou, Confort of King Henry VI. landed here 
 with her fon, Prince Edward, at her return from 
 France, in order to reftore her hufband to the 
 crown. 
 
 In 1505, 20th Henry VII. Jan. 10, Philip, 
 King of Caftile, with his Queen, failed from Mid- 
 dlebourg in Zealand, with 80 fhips for Spain ; but 
 a ftorm foon after drove him on the Englifh coaft. 
 As this embarkation was kept very fecret, their 
 appearance alarmed the country. Sir Thomas 
 
 Trenchard 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 9 
 
 Trenchard hearing fome Grangers had landed at 
 Weymouth, and fearing an invafion, marched 
 hither with fome forces, and was followed by 
 another body under Sir John Carew. 
 
 As the dorm laded from the 15th to the 26th of 
 January, the King was fo much fatigued as to run 
 into this port, contrary to advice, although he 
 knew how much he ventured by truding himfelf in 
 the Englidi dominions. He intended to have re- 
 frefhed himfelf, and when he was recovered from 
 his ficknefs, to put to fea again before the King of 
 England could know of his landing. The two 
 Knights treated him with all podible refpedt ; yet 
 gave him to underdand, that he could not return 
 on board till the King had feen him ; and he was 
 condudted by Sir Thomas to his feat at Woolveton. 
 
 In the fame year (1588) one of the Spanilh 
 Armada, taken in the channel, was brought in 
 here. 
 
 In the civil wars this town (Weymouth) differed 
 much, being made a garrifon, and poffeffed alter- 
 nately by the King and Parliament. It generally 
 depended on the fate of Portland, and was fre- 
 quently taken and retaken. 
 
 In 1642 it was garrifoned by the Parliament, 
 as appears by Burie, the Treafurer’s account; that 
 in September foldiers and ammunition were fent 
 hither, and in November he paid 50 1 . towards the 
 fortifications here, and 50 1. by order of the Lieu- 
 tenants 
 
to WEYMOUTH GUIDE, 
 
 tenants to the Mayor for the fame ufe. But Lucb 
 low fays, it was taken by Colonel Afhburnham 
 fbon after Brentford battle* 
 
 In 1644 when the Earl of Effex, on his march 
 to relieve Lyme, came to Blandford, he had a 
 mind to make himfelf mailer of Weymouth* Gob 
 Afhburnham was then Governor ; and to make 
 room for him. Sir Anthony Afhley Cooper had 
 been the year before removed from that charge. 
 
 The Colonel had been intent upon other things* 
 and not enough folicitous to finiili the fortifications* 
 which were not ftrong enough to defy an army* 
 yet too ftrong to be delivered upon the approach of 
 one. The Governor having afterwards preffed to 
 have the whole examined before a council of war* 
 produced a warrant under the hand of Prince 
 Maurice, that the town being untenable, he fliould 
 upon the advance of the Earl of Effex, put a fufH- 
 cient flrength into Portland Caftle and retire thi- 
 ther, which he had done* and was by the council 
 abfolved* But he was thought to have left the 
 town too foon, though he meant to have returned 
 again after he had viiited Portland. In the mean 
 time the towrifmen mutinied, arid fent to the Earl 
 of Effex, then at Dorchefter* whereupon he came 
 hither, and gave the garrifoh leave to march wit!; 
 their arms to Prince Maurice ; and leaving men 
 iuffieient* out of the country to defend it, profecu- 
 ted his march to Lyme. 
 
 June 
 
II 
 
 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 June 20, (fays the Mercurius Aulicus) Colonel 
 Afhburnham, knowing that the town, though of 
 great Importance for the trade of the country, was 
 hardly tenable, gave notice of the fame at Oxford, 
 and was ordered to fecure all the ordnance, arms, 
 ammunition, and provifion ; and Portland Caftle, 
 as being not only a defenfible place, both by art 
 and nature, but having fuch a command upon 
 Weymouth Haven as w r ould make it utterly unfer- 
 viceable to the rebels ; and as for his men, he 
 Ihould put as many into the Caftle as the impor- 
 tance and condition of the place required, marching 
 with the reft to reinforce Prince Maurice. — This 
 being prudently advifed, was punctually perform- 
 ed ; for it was known that if the rebels put into it 
 a confiderable garrifon, they would not be able to 
 keep the field ; and if they put in none, or a weak 
 and fmall one, it would be eafily retaken. 
 
 June 1 5, the garrifon furrendered the town, 
 with all arms, ammunition, ordnance, and ftiips* 
 The commanders and officers to march to Exeter 
 on horfeback with fwords and piftols, and the 
 common foldiers with ftaves only. Here were faid 
 to be taken ioo pieces of ordnance great and fmall ; 
 2000 mufkets, iooo fwords, 150 cafes of piftols, 
 200 barrels of powder, and about 60 fail of fhips 
 of all forts in the harbour. 
 
 June 19, the Earl of Eftex arrived here, when 
 the Earl of Warwick came on Ihore and confulted 
 
 with 
 
WEYMOUTH G U 1 D & 
 
 with him* Vicars adds, that Sir William Balfbur 
 took the town with 27 pieces of ordnance, 50 more 
 in the harbour, and all the {hips ; 100 barrels of 
 powder, arms and ammunition. The Admiral 
 took 2000 arms more, and 30 or 40 {hips. And 
 adds afterwards 80 pieces of ordnance mounted in 
 the town, and in {hips; 180 barrels of powder, 
 2000 mufkets, and 60 {hips. The towns, forts* 
 and caftle at Sandsfoot were alfo taken. 
 
 Atfguft 19, Colonel William Sydenham was 
 Governor ; and November 20* 900I. was paid 
 him by the Treafurer. In October Sir L. Dives 
 had orders from the King, then at Shirborn, on 
 his march out of Cornwall, to recover Weymouth ; 
 but this garrifon, affifted by the country people, 
 took 100 horfe of the Queen’s regiment. 
 
 In 1645, February 9, Sir Walter Haftings, 
 Governor of Portland, took the great fort here ; 
 and two days after Sir L. Dives, Colonel General 
 ofDorfet, took the middle fort, furprifed the town, 
 and pofleffed himfelf of the forts and upper town, 
 the rebels retiring into Melcombe, the lower town, 
 divided from the other by an arm of the fea, and 
 of no conliderable ftrength. At this crifis Lord 
 Goring was fent hither with 3000 horfe and 1500 
 foot, befides what he found in thefe parts, and his 
 artillery ; yet, by lupine negligence, it was reta- 
 ken by that contemptible number of the enemy 
 who had been beaten in the lower town, and were 
 
 looked 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 13 
 
 looked upon as prifoners at mercy. The lofs of 
 it was never enquired into, but imputed to Goring’s 
 natural want of vigilance, who retired into Somer- 
 letfhire. This was done in- view of his army after 
 he had been in the town, and the whole direction 
 was in him. 
 
 February 24, intelligence came that Col. Syden- 
 ham, who kept Melcombe, by the benefit of a fair 
 wind had fired the ftiips on Weymouth fide, burnt 
 part of that town, and regained the Chapel Fort 
 there with 60 prifoners, and taken one Lieutenant- 
 Colonel, one Major, three Captains, three Lieu- 
 tenants, and 100 men. 
 
 February 25, Chapel Fort having been regained, 
 the King's forces refolved to attack that and the 
 town of Melcombe by night, in feveral places at 
 the fame time ; but the evening before a prifoner 
 efcaped into Melcombe, and gave the Governor 
 notice. The Royalifts that night aflaulted the line 
 about Melcombe in five or fix places, and the fort, 
 with great refolution. Captain Batten came on 
 fliore with 100 feamen ; the King’s men were re- 
 pulfed in every place, and loft about 150 men, 
 and retreated into Weymouth. Next morning 
 Lord Goring and Sir L. Dives drew out of Wey- 
 mouth, and marched to Dorchefter, leaving be-* 
 hind them the ordnance taken there, carrying off 
 nothing but the plunder. 
 
 Vicars 
 
14 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 Vicars adds further, that the townfmen of Mel- 
 combe let in the King’s men at their back doors, 
 who came behind the belieged’s backs, and forced 
 them to retreat, wbilft the King’s men were 
 ftrengthcned by fome of the town, and Major Fran- 
 cis Sydenham was flain. Batten rallied the bdieged, 
 and forced the King’s men to retreat, in which 
 adtion 250 were either ilain or drowned ; and when 
 they drew off, they left their colours in the forts, 
 with arms, amunition, and provifions. 
 
 The liege lalted eighteen days ; the King’s forces 
 were 4000, thofe of the Parliament 900, who had 
 little hopes of relief, nor were favoured by the 
 townfmen, of whom forty confpired to feize on the 
 fort poffeffed by Sydenham, and by falfe keys to 
 the prifon doors to let out the prifoners. 
 
 Many of thefe confpirators were apprehended and 
 hanged. 
 
 February 27, a meffage from Melcombe, inform- 
 ed, that the town expedted Waller’s approach, 
 which had been retarded by a mutiny among his 
 men ; that a party of 80 horfe fallied out, and 
 •routed near 300 of the enemy ; took 60 of their 
 cavalry, and at another time 30 more. Cromwell 
 was ordered into the Well to join Waller. 
 
 March 1, letters from Sydenham and Batten 
 informed, that Goring had fpent much time, with 
 5000 horfe and foot, before Melcombe ; and the 
 night preceding endeavoured to call up a work 
 
 between , 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 15 
 
 between Melcombe and the fea, but was beaten off 
 in the attempt. Vi 
 
 March 5, an ordinance of Parliament patted for 
 zoool. to be paid to the officers, foldiers, and fea* 
 men of Weymouth and Melcombe, for their 
 fervices. \ 
 
 March 3 , intelligence came, that a £hip of 26 
 guns, with arms and ammunition from Rouen, 
 entered the port and was taken, the men thinking 
 the town had been in the King’s pofleffion. The’ 
 feamen belonging to a ffiip of Weymouth, called 
 the Endeavour, of 12 guns, lying under Portland 
 Cattle, laden with fait, &c. cut her cables, and 
 brought her into Weymouth to Batten, though 
 the Cattle fired feveral fhot at her. 
 
 In October a fort was built on Weymouth fide 
 to keep in the Portlanders. 
 
 July 13, 1647, though the Parliament ordered 
 garrifons to be negle&ed, yet this was continued ; 
 and in December following Colonel James Hean 
 or Hayne was made Governor, upon an eflablilh- 
 ment of x 5 s. a day as Governor and Captain. 
 
 In 1649 the Mayor, Bailiffs, Aldermen, &c. 
 of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, in a petition 
 to the Parliament, fet forth, that they had a fair 
 and large chapel in Weymouth, with two ailes and 
 large galleries, able to contain all the people in 
 both towns, the building whereof coft the town 
 Jjfopl. and was defiroyed in the civil wars ; that 
 
 the 
 
16 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 the bridge was decayed; that it coft 1200I. and 
 they afferted that the harbour was filled with rub- 
 bifh. They petitioned for 3000I. out of the Cus- 
 toms or Excife, &c. to enlarge Melcombe church, 
 build a new bridge, and cleanfe the harbour. 
 
 In September, 1651, the Jerfey men did much 
 mifchief on the Weftern coaft, and on the 17th of 
 Odtober Colonel Hean failed from this place to re- 
 duce that ifland. The Ioffes fuftained by both 
 towns in the civil wars, as appear by a certificate 
 from the Juftices, amounted to 20,000 1 . 
 
 Mr. Burie, Treafurer of this county, difburfed 
 for the Parliament to Richard Schovil, Commiffary 
 of Weymouth and Portland Garrifon, from 1644 
 to 1647 inclufive, 13,655!. 18s. 3d. 
 
 The trade of this town was formerly very confi- 
 derable to France, Spain, Newfoundland, and 
 Norway. An irrefragable proof of which is clearly 
 pointed out by the quota of fhips furnifhed from 
 this port, as before mentioned, in Edward the 
 Illd's time, and the many charters that have been 
 granted it and confirmed by fucceeding Kings. 
 
 King Henry I. about the year 1 1 10, granted by 
 charter, fans date, the Manor of Portland and 
 Wike r and the Ports of Weimouth and Melcombe, 
 and all liberties, wreck, and free cuftoms, in fea 
 and land, to the Monks of St. Swithen, in the 
 bifhoprick of Winton. 
 
 Henry 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 *7 
 
 Henry II. confirms by charter^ fans date, to the 
 Prior and Monks of the fame port of Waimue , the 
 whole land of Melcumbe, which by right belongs 
 to their land of Wike, which King Edward gave 
 them, and granted the feveral liberties, &c. 
 
 Lionel, Duke of Clarence, 40 Ed. III. (1367) 
 obtained great liberties for this borough, fuch as 
 grants of a market and fair. 3 Henry VII. 1488, 
 the manor was granted to Queen Margaret. 32, 
 Henry VIII. 1541, the manor before belonging 
 to Queen Jane, was granted to Queen Catharine 
 for life. 
 
 MELCOMBE REGIS. 
 
 T HIS town which aflumes its title of Regis 
 (that is. King' s) was built upon the demefne 
 lands of the Crown, and has been accounted part 
 of them ever fince the time of Edward the Firft, 
 and is fituated oppofite the town of Weymouth on 
 the North fide of the Havem It is almoft an ifland, 
 being furrounded by the fea on all fides, except 
 on the North, where it is entered by a narrow neck 
 of land. The ftreets are broad and well paved. 
 Many of the houfes are large, though low, as are 
 mod of the houfes near the fea ; they are of done* 
 and tiled : many of them having been formerly 
 inhabited by merchants, have large warehoufes, it 
 
 B being 
 
i8 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 being at that time a place of great foreign trade, 
 which as a fea port has many advantages from its 
 fituation, as well as from its fecurity, and from 
 the goodnefs of the Portland and Weymouth Roads 
 and Harbour. 
 
 Mr. Hutchins having had the life of a hiftory 
 of Dorfetftiire copied from a MSS. originally 
 written by John Coker, and having extracted from 
 it only a very concife account of Weymouth, the 
 Editor, who has alfo been obligingly favoured 
 with the ufe of the fame MSS. by the Reverend 
 Mr. Price, Keeper of the Bodleian Library, at 
 Oxford, has copied the following, which is the 
 whole of what relates to Weymouth or its neigh- 
 bourhood, verbatim. 
 
 € * From Weeke the fea working fomewhat fart 
 61 into the land, yieldeth a convenient and fafe 
 harbor for {hipping, in the mouth of a fmall 
 ** river called Wey, from which the Haven hath 
 * c the name of Weymouth. This brooke, fcarce 
 gc three miles off, breaketh out at Wey, which it 
 * c nameth : now from the fituation called Upway, 
 (c but more anciently from the owners Weybay- 
 u houfe ; for the land it was of Allen de Bayoufe, 
 a baron in King John’s tyme, whofe fon John, 
 6f 28 Hen. III. founded a little chauntry there : 
 “ but his cozen and heire, Elias Rabayne, for- 
 
 {e feited itt to King After, in Richard 
 
 ** .the Second his tyme, it was purchafed by 
 
 f ‘ Walter 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. *9 
 
 « Walter Frampton’s anceftors, and alienated by 
 “ his fonne Robert unto John Gould, who left 
 “ that to his fonne John, now owner of itt. The 
 “ river Wey palling thence names little villages, 
 “ and then falls into the fea at Weymouth, oppo* 
 “ fite to which, on the other banke, ftands Mel- 
 ec combe, an ancient borough, betweene whom 
 cc and Weymouth arofe a great coritroverfyj both 
 “ enjoying like privileges, and both challenging 
 66 the particular immunities of the Haven, which 
 lyeth in the very bofom of them ; each of them 
 “ have taken the overthrow of the other, but not 
 “ refting by that, continually commenced new 
 “ fuits* Att length, having wearied the Lords of 
 “ the Council and other Courts with their conten- 
 “ tious importunities, by the advice of that wife 
 tc Counfellor, William Cecill, Lord Treafurer of 
 u England, they were* by an Adi of Parliament, 
 66 the of Queen Elizabeth, incorporated into 
 ic one bodye, governed by one Mayor, and Alder- 
 “ men, his affiftants j immediately .upon which 
 44 they conjoyned themfelves together, by that 
 “ faire bridge of tymber which we fee* yett Hilt 
 44 they fend either of them two burgelfes to the 
 Parliament. 
 
 44 Both thefe townes h^ve certainly rifen from 
 44 the conveniency of the harbor, and from fmall 
 44 beginnings ; fot neither of them till of late 
 44 tv me had a pariih church; Weymouth, without 
 
 B z “ ailt 
 
20 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 “ all queftion, is much the ancienter, which 
 u may appeare both in that it had the prece- 
 “ dency given in the name, when by the afore- 
 “ fai'd adt of unitye, it was decreed, that it fhould 
 “ be called the towne of Weymouth and Mel- 
 cc combe Regis, as alfo that you fhall find mention 
 “ of it in fome ancient records, and that it was 
 cc heretofore of very fnfficient abillity well appears, 
 “ in that they vere able to aflift their then King, 
 6C Edward III. with 15 fhips and 263 mariners, 
 “ what time he prepared to befiege Callice, in 
 “ France, which rate I aflure you no Haven in 
 (t thefe parts came neare unto, but they were not 
 “ to be blamed to make what ftrength they could 
 “ againfl the French, who, both then and many 
 “ times fithence, have affayed to burne their 
 “ towne and deftroy their inhabitants. 
 
 ct Weymouth, as now it is, is but litle, confiftr 
 “ ing chiefly of one’ flreet, which for a good fpace 
 “ lyeth open to the fea, and on the back of it 
 rifeth an hill of fuch fteepnefs, that they are 
 <c forced to elymbe upp to their chappell by 
 w eighty ftepps of flone, from whence you have a 
 “ faire profpedf of the towne and Haven lying 
 “ under itt. From the one fide you may fee 
 Weeke, the mother church of Weymouth, and 
 <c Melcombe on the other fide, which much fur- 
 “ pafleth the other for conveniency of feite, ffor 
 “ this ftanding on a flat,- affordeth roome for 
 
 building. 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 21 
 
 « building, with a markett place, and convenient 
 ftreets and alfo yardes for their wares, by means 
 “ whereof mod of the merchants have chofen this 
 “ for their habitation, which of late years is fairly 
 “ new built ; there anciently was placed the wool 
 “ ftaple, but King Henry Vlth took it from them, 
 “ and gave itt to Poole, when he granted to itt 
 the priviledges of an Haven. Thefe townes, 
 “ now united, gaine well by traffique into New- 
 foundland, where they have had eighty fayle of 
 cc Ihipps and barkes, as alfo by a nearer cutt into 
 “ France oppolite to them, whence they return 
 “ laden with wines, cloath, and divers other ufe- 
 “ ful commodities, with which they furnifh the 
 country. 
 
 66 Over againft this Haven lyeth the ifle of 
 “ Portland, by fea a league diftant from itt, paf- 
 “ fable but in one place (as I have already noted) 
 on dry land. Concerning the name controverfy 
 “ hath rifen, fome thinking it tooke name by 
 “ reafon of the feite oppofite to the Port of Wey- 
 “ mouth, which opinion I cannot but refill, for 
 “ that I believe it had to name Portland before 
 “ the other had any being ; and therefore I will 
 “ content myfelf with the opinion of the judicious 
 cc Camden, who voucheth for it. The hiflory of 
 “ Winchefler church, which is, that it took its 
 iC name from one Port, a noble Saxon, who in 
 the yeare of our falvation , arriving there, 
 B 3 “ much 
 
zz WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 4C much infef^ed arid .anoyed thefe coafts ; after, 
 ft in the declining age of the Saxons Empire, 
 “ Portland felt often the violent and furious rage 
 “ of the Danes, who when they came as , 
 
 44 anno 783, to difeover the gopdnefs of the land, 
 44 and good places for landing, as alfo what refif* 
 44 tance the inhabitants could make ; having then 
 “ but onely three fhipps in their company, touch- 
 46 ed fir# of all at this ifland, whence either for 
 ** want of good landing, which is moft likely, for 
 46 there is none, or being driven away by the 
 44 inhabitants, they retired toTinmouth in Devon- 
 f c fhire, where they fette the firfte foote on Eng- 
 “ land’s ground, with foe good {landing, that 
 4C albeit they were divers tymes overthrown and 
 46 chafed away ; they never defifted until their 
 4C King Canutus, anno 1017, gott the crowne 
 upon his head ; afterwards King Edward the 
 44 Confeflfor, gave Portland unto the church of 
 44 Winchefter upon this occafion, The King 
 taking diflike again# his mother Emma, by the 
 44 inftigation of his great favourites, Robert, 
 44 Archbifliop of Canterbury, and Goodwyne, 
 44 Earle of Kent, among# divers other objedlions, 
 44 alledged that lhe, under colour of private devo^ 
 tion, ufed over-familiarly the company of Alwin, 
 44 Biihop of Winchefter, to the King’s and her 
 44 owne great dilhonour : upon thefe furmifes was 
 ff alfo her fubftance feized to the King’s life, and 
 
 “ her 
 
I 
 
 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. a.:t 
 
 « c her bodye committed to fafe cudody in the abbey 
 “ of Wherwell ; but die knowing her innocency 
 « in all, efpecially in the aceufation of inconti-* 
 <e nency, refufed not to undergo that hard law or 
 “ triad by dre, called Ordadeii, which was thus i 
 “ die, in the prefence of the King, her fonne, and 
 <c divers other nobles, being blindfolded, was to 
 tc pafs over nine plough ihores redd hott, which 
 <c die in the church of Wincheder, (with whofe 
 ** prelate die was fufpedled) performed without 
 ** any the lead harme, wherebye die not only 
 “ cleared herfelfe of that imputation, but made 
 her chaflity more famous to poderitye ; and in 
 “ remembrance of this her deliverance, die gave 
 to the fame church nine mannors, equal in 
 ** number to thofe irons die palled over ; alfo her 
 “ fonne. King Edward, much repenting of the 
 u wrongs he had done his mother by falfe fufpi- 
 “ cion, gave, for expiation of his fault, unto the 
 <c fame church, this idand, with Weeke and 
 “ Weymouth appurtayning unto itt ; all which 
 Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Glouceder, gott from 
 “ the Monks by way of Exchange in Edward $he 
 “ Fird his time, from whofe poderity it came to 
 the Crowne. Having given you what I have 
 found in ancient hidories of this idand, I think it 
 not amifs to lhew you itt as at this prefent itt is, 
 “ Fird, at the very landing you lhall fee 4 
 46 ftrong cadie built by King Henry VIII, opofite 
 
 B 4 almQd 
 
2,4 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 * almoft unto another on the land's fide called 
 “ Sandfoot Cafile ; thefe two command all the 
 * c Ihipps which pafife into this road, for between 
 them they muft pafife, who if upon fummons 
 hayle not, they prefently finke, for by reafon 
 “ of their low fituation, they take them between 
 “ wind and water and befpoile them. From 
 « Portland Cafile you have but one eafie pafifage 
 “ to the topp of the ifland amongft rocks, with 
 “ which it is wholly invironed, and all places in- 
 <c accefifable but this onely, and itt is foe ill, that 
 iC you can with noe great fafety ride either upp or 
 downe. On the topp you may fee the whole 
 “ ifland lying very fiatt, in compafs about feven 
 66 miles ; the ground very good for corne, and 
 iC indifferent pafture ; but foe deflitute for wood 
 iC and fewill, that the inhabitants are glad to 
 “ burne their cow dung, being firfl dryed againft 
 “ flone walls, with which their grounds are all- 
 “ together inclofed. 
 
 “ On the South point Hands the onely church, 
 cc foe near the fea, that for fafety of itt, they have 
 “ -been forced to wall the church yard bankes, 
 almoft of an incredible height, foe that itt 
 even affrights one to looke downe into the fea. 
 From thence you may fee the Race of Portland, 
 iC as it is called, which is the meeting of the two 
 * e tydes with foe great flriving and beating of the 
 waves, that it is moft dangerous for any barke 
 
 “ to 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 25 
 
 to pafs over itt, though in the calmed feafon. 
 Neare the church, but at lead fifty deps of done 
 above itt, dand the walls of the old cadle, for 
 “ feite before the invention of ordnance, in man's 
 f c judgement impregnable, yet was it both forced 
 £C and won by Robert Earle of Glouceder, bare 
 “ brother to Maude the Emprefle, and in her be- 
 ff halfe, what tyrne die waged warr with King 
 €C Stephen for her right. Att this place, in the 
 f‘ year 1588, the Spanyards, with their fuppofed 
 cc invincible army, drived to land, but being pre- 
 iC vented by the Inglifh, between them there be- 
 f c gann, in the fight of all the coad, fuch a fight, 
 “ that they were forced to acknowledge their 
 “ army vincible, and to fiiift for themfelves, 
 “ though many hundreds of them came Ihort 
 home, and two of their great Ihipps with a Don 
 “ brought into Weymouth. To conclude, Port- 
 cc land is not deditute of frefh water ; hath plenty 
 “ of corne, dieep, and cattle ; allfo fuch excellent 
 “ quarries of done, that for the folidnefs and du- 
 “ rablenefs it is tranfported unto London, and 
 “ that in great plenty, fithence it pleafed the 
 “ King, anno 1610, by the advice of his archi- 
 “ t edt, to make choice of Portland done, for the 
 “ re-edyfying of his banqueting houfe att White- 
 hall. The inhabitants were in their foregoing 
 “ ages much noted for their dexteritye in dinging. 
 6£ Their hold (as they call it) is gavelkind, a 
 
 tenure 
 
*6 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 44 tenure feldom found in thefe weflern parts ; 
 44 the cuftoms and immunities of it, if you defire 
 44 to know, I referr you to William Lambert. 
 44 But now, I thinke, its tyme to take boate and 
 €t pafTe to the other Ihoar, which lyeth ftraight 
 44 Eaft, until it comes to the ifle of Parbeeke, 
 44 and in the way biddeth farewell to thefe places.” 
 
 In Edward the Third’s reign, about 1350, 
 Melcombe flouriihed greatly ; and it was agreed 
 in Parliament, that a ftaple fhould be kept in 
 Melcombe, when it was by Adt of Parliament 
 appointed a ftaple town. 
 
 Leland fays, 44 Here (at Uphill) I came into 
 “ the way that ledith from Dorchefter to Wey- 
 4C mouth, three good miles diftance from this 
 46 place, by al the which way I rode as yn a bafe 
 44 level ground. Dorchefter is eight miles from 
 44 Weymouth. There is a townlet on the hither 
 * l fide of the Haven of Weymouth, caullid Mil* 
 44 toun, being privileged and having a Mair : this 
 44 town, as is evidently feene, hath been far bigger 
 46 than it is now. The caufe of this is layid onto 
 lc the Frenchmen, that yn times of war rafid this 
 44 town for lak of defence. For fo many houfes 
 46 as be yn the towne they be welle and ftrongly 
 ** builded of ftone. Ther is a chapelle of eafe in 
 4< Milton. The paroch chirch is a mile of, a 
 f 4 manifeft token that Milton is no very old 
 4i town. Ther was a fair houfe of Freres in the 
 
 « Eft 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 i: Eli part of the towne, and the chief Houfe of 
 “ the Rogers in Dorfetfhire was Founder and 
 “ Patron of it. Milton flondith as a peninfula, 
 “ by reafon of the water of the Haven, that a 
 “ little above the towne fpreddith abrode, and 
 ** makith a bay ; and by the bay of the mayne 
 u fea, that gulfith in on the other fide.” 
 
 13 Eliz. 1571. The Mayor, Bailiffs, Burgeffes, 
 and Commonalties of both towns, reprefented, 
 that for thirty-five years then laft paft, great con- 
 troverfies had arifen between the inhabitants of 
 both Boroughs, concerning the right to the profits 
 of the Haven running between both, and feveral 
 privileges in the fame ; the hearing of which has 
 caufed much trouble to the Queen and her proge- 
 nitors and Privy Council, and great decay and 
 impoveriihment to the towns. The Lords of the 
 pouncil having required them, becaufe it was hard 
 to be underflood in whom the right was, to agree 
 that the faid Boroughs m : ght be made one Corpo- 
 ration. To prevent further difputes, it was re- 
 folved, that the towns, by Aft of Parliament, be 
 united into one Borough, and incorporated by the 
 only name of the Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, Bur- 
 geffes, and Commonalty of Weymouth and Mel- 
 combe Regis, and to be reputed only one borough 
 and town ; that the Mayor, &c. be capable of 
 purchafing lands, &c. have a feal of office, and a 
 common feal ; deft a Recorder ; that the Mayor, 
 
 Bailiffs^ 
 
2 $ WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 Bailiffs* and Recorder lhall be Juftices of Peace 
 in the faid towns ; that the Mayor lhall be chief 
 officer of the faid towns ; Bernar Maior* one of the 
 Burgeffes, to be firft Mayor ; Thomas Samways 
 and Hugh Randall* the firft Bailiffs ; fix Burgefles 
 lhall be chofen Aldermen from time to time* by 
 the Mayor* &c. or major part* and be affiftants to’ 
 the Mayor ; that the Mayor, when out of Office, 
 lhall be an Alderman for life ; that twenty-four 
 Burgefles be chofen by the Mayor* &c. which lhall 
 be a Common Council to affift the Mayor ; the 
 Mayor* &c. to have power to make bye laws* and 
 the town to enjoy all Leets* Law Days* Liberties, 
 Fairs* Markets* Lands* &c. which the faid feve- 
 ral towns had before they were united together, as 
 in right of their feveral Corporations they ufed* by 
 reafon of any charter granted to them, or any 
 Lords of the faid towns, or Burgeffes thereof; the 
 Mayor* &c. to levy and enjoy to the ufe of the 
 town all the petty cuftoms* profits* &c. as the faid 
 towns* or either of them* before their Incorpora- 
 tion, or any Lord of them lawfully enjoyed. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth alfo* by letters patent* in 1598* 
 reciting the preamble and the three laft claufes of 
 the former aft* fhews that the inhabitants of Wey- 
 mouth had long before the making of that aft, 
 and the Mayor, &c. have fince enjoyed to their 
 proper ufe feveral rents of affize, amounting to 
 14I. 7s. 5d. iffuing out of lands* &c. in both 
 I towns* 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 29 
 
 towns, and a new rent of 10s. iffuifig out of a 
 meffuage therein, due to the Crown^ and the pro- 
 fits of the water and port 40s. per annum, paying 
 yearly 16 1 . 8s. 3d. to Which rents it does not 
 appear they had any title, but are faved by the faid 
 aft, and might be feized into the King's hands. 
 Her Majefty, becaufe thefe united towns were a 
 port and frontier town, and for the better mainte- 
 nance of the bridge, late, at the coft of the inhabi- 
 tants new erected, granted them the premiffes, 
 and all the water running there, and the ground 
 ufually covered with the fame, and the fifheries 
 and profits thereof ; and all Court Leets, Houfes, 
 Lands, Sec. which they had to their proper ufe. 
 Sec. And that the Mayor, Sec. enjoy within the 
 town and limits of it, the water and port, the 
 fame Court Leets, Fairs, Markets, Cuftoms, &c. 
 which the late feveral towns before united, in right 
 of their feveral Corporations, or Lords of thofe 
 towns have lawfully ufed, by reafon of any grant. 
 See. prefeription, or cuflom. 
 
 King James I. by charter in 1616, recites, that 
 whereas our boroughs or towns of Weymouth and 
 Melcombe Regis, in our county of Dorfet, being 
 great and famous ports, and boroughs or towns, 
 ancient and populous, and of great flrength and 
 force to withfland the enemies as well of us, as of 
 our kingdom, and to defend the country there 
 adjoining ; and alfo occupying and exercifing mer- 
 chandizing, 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 3 ° 
 
 chandizing, and having much bufinefs in and upon 
 the feas, by reafon of which ports a great number 
 of mariners and others, inftrufted and exercifed in 
 the art of navigation, are there continually em- 
 ployed, nourilhed, and brought up, who are daily 
 ►made and are able and fit for ail works and fervice 
 for Ihips and the Teas, and otherwife for the defence 
 of our realm, and alfo of great cuftoms, duties, 
 and fums of money, from thence unto us continu- 
 ally do alfo grow and arife, &c. &c, And that 
 Queen Elizabeth having united thefe' towns ; and 
 the Mayor, &c. being af great expence in fortify- 
 ing and defending thefe towns, and maintaining a 
 bridge lately built at the coft of the inhabitants ; 
 and defefts and ambiguities having been found in 
 the Aft of Parliament, conftitutes the faid boroughs 
 to be a free borough and town, one body corporate 
 and politick, by the name of the Mayor, Aider- 
 men, Bailiffs, Burgefles, and Commonalty of the 
 borough and town of Weymouth and Melcombe' 
 Regis, and to be capable to purchafe and poflefs 
 lands, &c. in fee, &c. to plead and be impleaded 
 in any court ; to have a common feal, and alter 
 it ; the Mayor, &c. to make laws, and impofe 
 penalties and fines on offenders, to the ufe of the' 
 Mayor, &c. names the firft Mayor, firft Recorder, 
 fir ft Bailiffs, and nineteen of the firft Aldermen. 
 
 14 Car. I. a §>uo Warranto was brought againft 
 the town. Sir John Banks being Attorney General, 
 
 ' when. 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 31 
 
 when the Charters and Adt of Union were pleaded ; 
 and all ancient rights, cuftoms, &c. were confirm* 
 ed ; of all which an exemplification under the feai 
 of the Exchequer, 12 Feb. 14 Car. I. is amongft 
 the town records. 
 
 A queflion arifing about the legality of the elec- 
 tion of a Mayor in 1 740, occafioned the Charter of 
 King James the Firft to be canvafled in the law 
 courts. A ghto Warranto had been brought againft 
 John Tucker, the Mayor, and ifTue being joined 
 upon eight fadts, they were all determined in his 
 favour by a fpecial jury, at the affizes at Dorchef- 
 ter; but Mr. Tucker alledging a bye law of the 
 Corporation, whereby they had a power to eledfc 
 an Alderman Mayor, the Court of King’s Bench 
 determined againft him, that though a Mayor ort 
 quitting his office became an Alderman, they were 
 not at liberty to choofe an Alderman Mayor ; the 
 Charter requiring, that the Mayor fhould be chofen 
 out of the BurgefTes. This determination was 
 confirmed by the Houfe of Lords ; * and in 1 747 
 an Explanatory Charter paffed the Seals. 
 
 The number of Aldermen is not to be lefs than 
 eight. The Mayor and other Members of the 
 
 * A fall account of thefe proceedings may be feen in the 
 Gentleman's Magazine, 1744, vol. xiv. p. 127, 175; and in 
 the fecond Report of the Committee appointed to enquire into the 
 Conduct of Sir Robert Walpole, 1748.— 
 
 See alfo Political Difquifitions, 3 vol. 8vo. 
 
 Corporation 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE; 
 
 3 * 
 
 Corporation are chofen ptomifcuoufly out of both 
 •towns, i ' * •* 
 
 The 34th of Eiiz. 1592, Robert Cook, Claren- 
 -cieux, granted the following arms to the united 
 Boroughs at the requeft of the Mayor and Alder- 
 men, agreeable to the arms and feals heretofore 
 ufed by the feveral towns, before they were united, 
 beyond the memory of man. Az. a fhip with 
 three tops, tackled and rigged O. upon the waves 
 of the fea proper ; upon the firft a«d laft maft.twc 
 fquare banners, ori the firft per pale G. and vert, 
 two lions paflant guardant in pale O. on the fecond 
 quarterly A. and G. in the firft a lion rampant 
 purple, in the fecond a caftle O ; upon the hull 
 of the faid fhip an efcutcheon per fefs O. and G. 
 in the firft three chevrons of the fecond, on the 
 fecond three lions paflant guardant of the firft ; 
 and for their common feal Az. a bridge, double 
 embattled A. with three arches Handing in the fea 
 proper; in chief an efcutcheon per fefs O. and G. 
 in the firft three chevrons G. in chief ; on the fe- 
 cond, inbafe, three lions paflant guardant in paleO. 
 
 Captain Richard Clark, a famous feaman and 
 pilot, was born here. He accompanied Sir Hum- 
 phrey Gilbert in his voyage for the difcovery of 
 Norembeguain in 1583, and was ihipwrecked, tut 
 with fourteen more was wonderfully laved. 
 
 In Sept. 1673, 13th Car. II. a fire happened 
 at Weymouth, which did confiderable damage ; 
 
 at 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE 
 
 n 
 
 at which his Majefly Charles II. was prefent, and 
 a brief granted for collecting three thoufand 
 pounds. 
 
 Weymouth gave title to Thomas Thynne of 
 Long-leat, in the County of Wilts, Ion of Sir 
 Frederick Thyrine. He was created Baron War- 
 minfter and Vifcount Weymouth the nth of De- 
 cember 1682 ; which is now enjoyed by Thomas 
 Vifcount Weymouth. 
 
 Here was formerly a chapel of eafe (a conveni- 
 ency at prefent much wanted) to the mother 
 church of Wike Regis, above a mile diltant. It 
 flood fouth of the town on a hill, overlooking the 
 town and haven : the afcent to it was by feventy 
 ftone fteps; This fituation occafioned the rebels, 
 in the late civil Wars, to convert it into' a fort, for 
 reducing Melcombe after which they demolifhed 
 it, and fold the materials. It Was dedicated to St* 
 Nicholas, the common tutelar faint of maritime 
 Churches. There are now no remains of it but 
 the feite,' which is ftill called Chapel Hayes , and 
 the boil nds marked out by four Hones. 
 
 The return to the Comrriiflion, in 1650, was 
 That Weymouth is in the parifh of Wike Regis^ 
 and diftant a mile from it ; that nothing arifeth 
 thenee to the incumbent of Wike, but the annual 
 tithes of fome gardens, amounting to 40 s. The 
 reCtory of Wike lately belonged to Dr. Hinchman, 
 and is worth 150I. per annum ; but now to Mr*> 
 
 C Edward 
 
34 WEYMOUTH GUIDE, 
 
 Edward Buckler, by order of the committee. That 
 the inhabitants of Weymouth come to Melcombe 
 church ; and Weymouth being a garrifon and port 
 town, it is not fafe for the people to go fo far out 
 of the town to church : That in Weymouth is a 
 chapel of eafe, which was wont to be fupplied by 
 the minifter of Wike at pleafure ; but in the fiege 
 a great part of it was beaten down, and the repairs 
 of it will coft a great many hundred pounds : It is 
 now ufed altogether as a fort and guard, there be- 
 ing works, a line, and platform about it. The 
 inhabitants of Weymouth petition the Parliament 
 that it may be made their parifh church, and that 
 Government would allow a competent maintenance 
 for a minifter ; the chapel being fit to be taken 
 from Wike, and made the parifh church of Wey- 
 mouth, in cafe the State will rebuild the chapel, 
 or ereft fome church there, and allow a competent 
 maintenance for a minifter in Weymouth : or, 
 that Weymouth and Melcombe may be united, 
 and the church of Melcombe enlarged, which will 
 coft fome hundred pounds. The church-yard in 
 Melcombe being very fmall for a burial place, the 
 ground and buildings called the Friery lying ruined, 
 and near adjoining to the church, may be made a 
 burial place for both towns, in cafe the Lord Arun- 
 del, and Richard Ufedale, Efq. who lay claim to 
 it, will confent. 
 
 This 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE, 35 
 
 This priory flood a little Eaft of the church 
 in Maiden Street : it was a houfe of Dominican 
 Friars, dedicated to St. Winifrid, fays Mr. Willis ; 
 to St. Dominick, according to Speed. Leland fays 
 it was a fair houfe of Freres, founded by the chief 
 houfe of the Rogers’s, in this county. The whole 
 makes a fquare of about an acre, and has lately 
 undergone much alteration, and been parceled out 
 into many tenements. In the garden are lome re- 
 mains of old buildings ; on the South flde is the 
 chapel belonging to the priory, now converted 
 into a malthoufe ; over the Well door are three 
 blank efcutcheons, fupported by a lion and wyvern, 
 and on it for a creft a lion paflant guardant; On 
 the north flde many bones and ikulls were dug up 
 in 1682* and fince that time, fo that probably this 
 was the burial place. In the 15th century, Owen 
 Watfon, Redtor of Portland, willed his body. “ to 
 be buried at the Friers Preachers here* where he 
 had built a tomb.” 
 
 By a certificate of the commiflary of the Biftiop 
 of Sarum, concerning the Friers at Melcombe, he 
 cenfures an altar raifed in this town, and orders ah 
 enquiry into the names of the perfons who cele- 
 brated at it* and of thofe who favoured therm 
 He afterwards iflfued a mandate to Edward Pq- 
 liny, John Lok, and John Lowyn, Dominican 
 Friars, who had eredted and celebrated on an 
 altar there, declared them contumacious, and 
 
 C 2 prohibited 
 
3 6 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 prohibited their proceedings : this was in 1426.-— 
 Afterwards 
 
 John Rogers, and Hugh Deverel, Efqrs. peti- 
 tioned the Bifhop of Sarum, That moved by the 
 defolation of this vill, they had begun a houfe for 
 the habitation of the Friars Preachers, and certify, 
 
 Firft, — The intention of this work. 
 
 Secondly, — The fitnefs of the place to be dedi- 
 cated for a church. 
 
 Thirdly, — Its endowment. 
 
 Fourthly, — The apoftolic and royal licence for 
 beginning the foundation. 
 
 Fifthly, — They enquire whether fuch houfe may 
 be built without diminution of the Bifhop *s jurif- 
 di&ion, and the right of the parochial church. 
 They fet forth, that there was no place dedicated 
 to God in Melcombe : that the parochial church 
 of Radipole was a long mile and a half from this 
 vill, and was inconvenient for the burgeffes to go 
 to, &c. & c. 
 
 Neville was Bifhop of Sarum from 1427 to 1438 ; 
 and Bifhop Tanner refers to patents in 1430 and 
 1446 concerning this houfe. 
 
 Near the Priory is an old building, which tra- 
 dition fays was a Nunnery; but there are no records 
 -concerning it that have come to the knowledge of 
 any hiflorian. 
 
 The Ma^ t or of Melcombe is mentioned in two 
 records, of which Mr. Hutchings, in his hiftory of 
 T : .. Dorfet, 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 37 
 
 Dorfet, fufpe&s the correctnefs, and which give 
 :he higheft antiquity to this place. 
 
 Henry the Firft, (about mo) grants to the 
 Prior and Monks of St. Swithin’s, Winton, peace- 
 ably to hold the port of Melcombe, with all liber- 
 ties, wrecks, and free cuftoms, by land and fea, 
 as they had holden them, fans date. Henry the 
 Second, (about 1160) grants to the fame the land 
 of Melcombe, belonging to Wick, which King 
 Edward gave them, with the aforefaid liberties, 
 fans date. 
 
 In Edward the Firft’s time, (1280) it belonged 
 to the Abbey of Cerne, but when, or by whom 
 given, is not known. 
 
 The 8th of Edward I. (about 1280) the Abbot 
 certified his claim of a Tuefday Market, and a Fair 
 on the eve and day of the Tranflation of St. Tho- 
 mas the Martyr, by Charter of Henry III. and 
 wreck of the fea in his Manor of Melcombe ; and 
 that he claimed one penny from the men that in- 
 habited the tithing, beyond the memory of man. 
 
 The Borough of Melcombe firft obtained that 
 privilege about the 8th of Edward the Firft, 1280, 
 when the King, by Charter, granted to the Bur- 
 geftes of Melcombe feveral liberties claimed by the 
 city of London, viz. That they fhould not be im- 
 pleaded without the Borough ; and granted them 
 permiflion to have a Market every Monday, and a 
 Fair every Year, to begin on St. Botolph, the 
 
 C 3 Abbots 
 
S 3 W 5 YMOUTH GUIDE, 
 
 Abbots Even, (the 17th of June) and fo to con-- 
 tinue five days, free. come and free abide for all man* 
 
 * 1 
 
 her; of men. 
 
 In the reign of Edward III. (1330) this Borough 
 ilourifhed greatly ; but in the next reign it was 
 much impoverifhed and defolated, being burnt by 
 the French ; on which the inhabitants prayed for 
 a difeharge of their cufioms, which was granted 
 and confirmed the 1 ft of Henry IV. 
 
 King Edward IV. (in 1463) having infpe&ed 
 the Charters of Edward I. II. and III. gave them 
 another, by which he grants them all manner of 
 ufages and cufioms granted unto the citizens of 
 London ; with power to make a coroner, an ef- 
 cheator, and other officers, &c. &c. 
 
 It muft not be omitted, that in 14 55, the 23d 
 of Henry VI. James Butler, Earl of Wilts, had 
 licence to go to St. James’s, in Spain, with thirty 
 perfons in his retinue, in a fhip called the St. 
 James of Weymouth, not carrying gold or filver 
 beyond his neceflary charges. And in Rymer’s 
 Foedera, tom. IX, X, and XI, are inftances of li- 
 cenfes granted in the times of Henry V. and VI. 
 to mafiers of veflels here, to carry over firangers, 
 being the King’s fubjedts, fometimes to the num- 
 ber of an hundred and twenty, going on pilgri- 
 mages thither ; and fometimes they were not al- 
 lowed to carry gold or filver either coined, or in 
 the ore. 
 
 Melcombe 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 39 
 
 Melcombe gave the title of Baron to the Honour- 
 able George Bubb Doddington, Efq; of Eaftbury, 
 feveral times one of the Reprefentatives for this 
 borough. He was created Baron Melcombe the 
 ill of George III. 1761, but dying without iffue 
 in 1762, the title became extind. 
 
 The arms of Melcombe, before the union of the 
 two boroughs, were part of the arms of the Kings 
 of England, its ancient Lords, viz. O. three lions 
 paffant, guardant, Az. 
 
 Weymouth has fent Members to Parliament 
 ever fince the 12th of Edward II. and Melcombe 
 ever fince the 8th of the fame King : And now, 
 as one one Borough, enjoys a privilege allowed to 
 no other place in the kingdom, except London , 
 that of fending four Members to Parliament. The 
 Reprefentatives are elected by Freeholders of Wey- 
 mouth or Melcombe, whether inhabitants or other- 
 wife. Thefe Eledors have alfo votes for the 
 County Members. Every Eledor has the privi- 
 lege as in London, of polling for four Candidates, 
 who, when chofen, are returned in one Indenture, 
 under the title of Burgeffes of Weymouth and 
 Melcombe. The Mayor is the returning officer. 
 
 Weymouth Caftle, called alfo Sandes Foot, or 
 Sandes Fort, Hands a mile S. W. of the town, on 
 a high cliff, almoft oppofite Portland Caftle, and 
 commands the Bay. It was built by King Henry 
 
 C 4 VIII. 
 
4 P WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 VIII. Leland calls it “ a right goodly and war- 
 “ lyke caftle, having one open barbicane.” Its 
 form is a parallelogram, or long fquare ftone, now 
 all carried away. At the north end was a tower, 
 on which were the Arms of England, fupported by 
 a wyvern and unicorn : The north part feems tq 
 have been the (governor’s apartment, which was 
 vaulted : The fouth front is femicircular, and faid 
 to have been the gun room : before it, on the 
 fouth, was formerly a platform for cannon. Di> 
 the eaft is the remains of a fmall gate, and a deep 
 trench furrounds the whole, except on the fouth 
 The walls were thick and lofty when entire ; and 
 though it was not large, muft have been a beauti*. 
 ful ftrufture f . It feems to have been negledled 
 lince the Reftoration. — In 1631, George Bamfield 
 had a grant of the office of Cuftos ( 1 . e . Guardian) 
 of Sandsfoot Caftle, during pleafure : And in 1640, 
 Nathaniel Speccot, Knight, was made Cuilos for 
 life. After the reftoration, Humphrey Weld, of 
 Tulworth Caftle, was Governor for many years. 
 
 Here were feveral forts in and about the town 
 and harbour, to defend them againft foreign ene- 
 mies ; and feveral were raifed during the civil wars. 
 
 The Chapel, as we have before obferved, was 
 converted into a fort. New Fort, or Jetty Fort, 
 
 at 
 
 * See the annexed Plan. 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 4 * 
 
 at the entrance of the harbour, at the end of the 
 old pier, at the foot of the hill, was taken down 
 in 1 66 1 : South of this, on the top of the hill, 
 (now known by the name of the Nofe,) at the 
 $aftern point of it, was another called North Fort, 
 where are ftill three guns mounted : Dock Fort 
 under the Hill, is weft of the two Jettys, near the 
 bar. There was a fifth fort at the Look-out, on 
 the hill fouth of the town, where are (till two guns. 
 
 Towards the weft-end of Weymouth is the 
 Town-hall, where the Corporation meet on the 
 firft Monday after Old Michaelmas-Day, and hold 
 their Court-leet. 
 
 The communication between both Towns was 
 anciently by a ferry-boat, and a rope reaching a- 
 crofs the haven ; but a wooden bridge of feven- 
 teen arches was built in 1 597- 
 
 The principal benefaftors towards building it 
 were certain citizens of London ; Having been 
 much damaged in the civil wars, it feems to have 
 been rebuilt ; this alfo going to decay, was again 
 re-built at the charge of the Reprefentatives in 
 1712, and once more in 1741 : It was fixty yards 
 long ; in the middle is a draw-bridge for veflels to 
 pafs into the weftern parts of the harbour. This. 
 
 bridge 
 
42 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 bridge was alfo re-built in 1770, feventy yards weft 
 of the former, to the great inconvenience of the 
 inhabitants of Weymouth, and dire&ly contrary to 
 their wifhes, a petition having been prefented by 
 the inhabitants, praying it might be continued in 
 the old fituation. 
 
 This was formerly (as may very readily be traced 
 from what has been faid) the moft confiderable fea 
 port in the county till the increafe of Poole, and 
 the late wars with France. The haven, which is 
 both fafe and commodious, is formed by an arm 
 of the fea, that runs betwixt both towns, and at 
 the weft end receives the fmall river Way y and ex- 
 tends a mile weft of the [old] bridge. 
 
 From the preceding hiftorical fafts it will ap- 
 pear, that Weymouth has been a maritime as well 
 as mercantile town of fome antiquity. Of late 
 years the chief trade carried on here has been fhip 
 building, which has employed many workmen, to 
 the benefit as well as reputation of the place. 
 
 PRESENT 
 
( 43 ) 
 
 PR ESENT state of 
 
 WEYMOUTH. 
 
 T N its prefent ftate Weymouth has become, and 
 
 is rapidly growing more confiderable, from the 
 vaft concourfe of polite company by which it is now 
 frequented for Sea-bathing : For this purpofe the 
 Bay, which extends near two miles, is far better 
 adapted than that of any other watering-place upon 
 our coafrs ; whilft the inhabitants by fuch an influx 
 of money have been encouraged to rebuild, beau- 
 tify, and greatly enlarge the town, which in little 
 more than twenty years has undergone a confider- 
 able transformation. 
 
 The Markets are alfo very much improved of late 
 years, and are well fupplied with Butcher’s meat. 
 Poultry, and the ehoiceft Fifli from the Weft every 
 day that the wind will permit, exclufive of what 
 are caught in its environs ; and confift of Red 
 Mullets, John Dories, Soals, Cod, Turbot, Pipers, 
 Gurnets, Mackrel, Herrings, Lobfters, Crabs, 
 and Prawns. — It muft too be remarked, that the 
 fmall Portland Mutton is here met with in it 
 utmoft perfection. 
 
 The 
 
44 
 
 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 The Market Days are Tuefday and Friday . 
 
 The Tuefday’s Market is generally fulleft. — Thefe 
 Markets afford a plentiful fupply of Butcher’s 
 Meat, Poultry, Butter, and Vegetables, brought 
 from the Country. — Butcher’s Meat, Fifh, Fruit, 
 and other Vegetables, are now alfo fupplied daily, 
 though in lefs profufion than on Market Days. 
 
 In the nth year of his prefent Majesty an aft 
 was obtained for making a turnpike road from 
 Dorchefter through Weymouth (over the old 
 bridge) to Portland Sands, Chickerell, Ofmington, 
 and Winterbourne, through Upway ; and in 1782 
 another aft paffed for taking in the road from Of- 
 mington toWarmwell, and renewing the former aft. 
 
 In the year 1776 an aft was likewife obtained 
 for lighting, watching, and paving the ftreets, 
 foot-paths, and other places within the Borough 
 and Town of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis ; 
 and for removing encroachments and ftraw thatch 
 from Buildings of every denomination. 
 
 The late Ralph Allen, Efq; of Bath, firft 
 brought Weymouth into efteem as a bathing-place. 
 — Being advifed about the year 1763, to ufe Sea- 
 bathing, he had a machine for that purpofe con- 
 Itrufted for his own ufe, and happily received great 
 benefit. The recommendation of this gentleman 
 induced others to vifit the place, which foon re- 
 commended itfelf, and became the publick refort 
 
 of 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE; 
 
 45 
 
 of the firft company from every part of the king- 
 dom ; and his Royal Highnefs the Duke of Glou- 
 cefter, in the year 1780, from palling a Winter at 
 Weymouth, found fo much benefit, that he was 
 induced to build a houfe facing the Bay for his own 
 refidence. — Other gentlemen have followed this ex- 
 ample ; and we may venture to prognoflicate, that 
 the advantages arifing from its natural fituation, viz* 
 an open communication with the Sea, and a Bay 
 fheltered from every interruption, even in tem- 
 peftuous feafons, added to a healthy, pleafant, cir- 
 cumjacent country, as well as the great Weftern 
 road for its approach, muft ultimately leave this 
 fpot unrivalled for Sea-bathing at any feafon of 
 the year. 
 
 At Nottington alfo, in the road to Upway, a 
 Mineral Chalybeat, highly impregnated with Sul- 
 phur, has for ages been held in the higheft efleem, 
 in fcorbutic and other cafes, which has been found 
 Angularly advantageous as an auxiliary, where Sea- 
 bathing has been recommended. — Avery ingenious 
 Treatife on the virtues of thefe Waters has been 
 lately publifhed by Dr. Crane, of Dorchefter, to 
 which we refer the Reader *, 
 
 The above-mentioned Phyfician, in his Obferva- 
 tions on Sea-bathing . , fpeaking of Weymouth, fays, 
 “ The Sea Water of this fine Bay is quite pure, 
 
 * Sold at the Library in St. Thomas’s-Street, Weymouth 5 
 and at the Toy- Shop on the Efplanade, Price 1 s. 
 
 “ of 
 
46 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 46 of a beautiful Colour, perfectly clear and tran- 
 ** fparent ; the Sands under foot are foft, yet firm, 
 44 and entirely free from obftrudtions. The De- 
 44 clivity is fo gradual, as to be almofl impercep- 
 €C tible ; a great Security to the weak and fearful. 
 44 The Bay is fo well Iheltered by nature, that for 
 44 tranquility it furpaffes what I have ever feen ; 
 44 fcarcely any Weather happening to interrupt 
 44 Bathing ; whereas it not unfrequently happens 
 44 at other places of refort for this purpofe, that 
 44 there are long interruptions to Bathing from the 
 “ turbulence of the fea ; to the great difappoint- 
 44 ment, lofs of time, and expence of thofe to 
 44 whom fuch delays may be "both injurious and 
 44 greatly diftreffing.” 
 
 The Dodtor adds, 44 That Weymouth and its 
 46 neighbourhood are entirely free from ftagnate 
 44 waters, and wet or marfhy fwamps, to produce 
 46 noxious vapours ; the foil is of fuch a nature, 
 44 as to afford nothing from which any infalutary 
 44 exhalations can poffibly proceed ; and the air is 
 44 proverbially mild, foft, and ferene.” 
 
 The town of Melcombe confifts principally of 
 a range of buildings facing the Bay, and two 
 ftreets running parallel to each other, which ter- 
 minate at the market-place ; together with others 
 of lefs magnitude, between thefe and the bridge, 
 which unites it with Weymouth on the oppofie fide* 
 
 At the entrance of the town from Dorchefter, 
 
 are 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 47 
 
 are the Aflembly Rooms, and nearly contiguous 
 to thefe the Duke of Gloucefter’s houfe. A little 
 beyond are a range of handfome alms-houfes, built 
 by Sir James Thornhill, and defigned for decayed 
 feamen, but unhappily never endowed. 
 
 To the right is St. Thomas’s Street, and to the 
 left St. Mary’s ; they both terminate at the Mar- 
 ket-place, in which Hands the Town-hall, with 
 the Prifon underneath. 
 
 Near the centre of the Bay is a commodious 
 little Theatre eredted by Mr. Hughes, the Ma- 
 nager of the Exeter Company, in a ftyle of fimple 
 elegance. Theatrical entertainments are here per- 
 formed on Mondays, Thurfdays, and Saturdays, 
 during the feafon. 
 
 The bathing machines, which are now multi- 
 plied to between twenty and thirty, make a for- 
 midable arrangement upon the Beach, and are in 
 conftant employment for feveral hours every morn- 
 ing ; during which the fucceflion of ladies and 
 gentlemen on this fpot greatly enlivens the fcene. 
 
 The author of the Tour through Great- Britain, 
 fpeaking of this place fays, “ Weymouth of late 
 “ years has been much frequented for its com- 
 “ modious Sea-bathing, which it furnifhes in a 
 “ manner fuperior to any other place in the 
 “ kingdom. The general tranquility of the Bay, 
 “ the clearnefs of the water, the foftnefs and 
 “ almoft imperceptible defcent of its Ihore, are fo 
 
 (S favourable 
 
4 5 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 fc favourable for the purpofe of Bathing, evefi f o 
 ic the moil timorous and debilitated, that I do not 
 “ wonder at its being the refort of many people 
 “ of the firft diftin&ion. It has all the requifite 
 “ accommodations Which are furnifhed at other 
 * c publick places ; fuch as affembly rooms, coffee 
 
 46 houfes, billiard tables, &c. &c. and houfes are 
 44 continually building for the better accommo- 
 46 dation of company, which is found annually 
 4i to increafe,” 
 
 publick Rooms. 
 
 W EYMOUTH no fooner became a place of 
 publick refort, than it was found requifite 
 to accommodate the company with Publick Rooms 
 for Balls and Affemblies, which were firft opened 
 on the Weymouth fide of the water ; and upon 
 this acquifition, Mr. Plomer, who then officiated 
 in the capacity of Mafter of the Ceremonies at 
 Briftol, was invited to perform that office here, 
 which he held till the decline of his health in the 
 Autumn of the year 1783. In the Summer fol- 
 lowing came on an election of Mafter of the Ce- 
 remonies, when Mr. Rodber, of Weymouth, after 
 a fmart conteft, was ele&ed by a eonfiderable ma- 
 jority, and ftill holds that office ; who, with the 
 approbation of the Subfcribers, has eftabliihed the 
 following 
 
 RULES 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 49 
 
 RULES and ORDERS. 
 
 ♦ . . 
 
 I T being abfolutely neceflary in all polite as- 
 semblies to have fome regulations eftablifhed* 
 without which no order or decorum can be pre* 
 Served, the company are requefted to comply with, 
 the following Rules : 
 
 I. That Gentlemen are not to appear in the 
 Rooms on Tuefday or Friday Evenings, in boots, 
 or Ladies in riding habits . 
 
 II. That the Balls fhall begin as foon as poflible 
 after feven o’clock, and finilh precifely at eleven. 
 
 III. That Gentlemen and Ladies who dance 
 down a country dance, fhall not quit their places 
 till the dance is finilhed, unlefs they mean to dance 
 no more that night. 
 
 IV. That no Lady or Gentleman be permitted 
 to dance in coloured 
 
 V. That after a Lady has called a dance, and 
 danced it down,herplace in the next is at the bottom. 
 
 VI. That no tea table be carried into the Card 
 Room. 
 
 VII. That Gentlemen will be pleafed to leave 
 their f words at the door. 
 
 7 he Majler of the Ceremonies intreats the favour of 
 fuck Ladies and Gentlemen , to whom he has not the 
 
 D honour 
 
 gloves . 
 
5 o WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 honour of being perfonally known , to offer him fome fa- 
 vourable occajian of being prefented to them, in order to 
 give him all opportunities of Jhewing that attention which 
 it is equally his inclination and duty to obferve. 
 
 T. R O D B E R, 
 
 Master of the Ceremonies. 
 
 The regular Ball Nights are Tuefdays and 
 Fridays. Public Tea Drinking every Sunday 
 Evening, and Cards every Evening, Sundays ex- 
 cepted. —A fingle Bali. Ticket, One Guinea . 
 Three ditto, "Two Guineas . Each Lady’s Admif- 
 fion to the Rooms, Five Shillings . Each Gen- 
 tleman Half a Guinea . 
 
 The LIBRARY, in St. Thomas Street , 
 
 Which has now been eftablilhed upwards o£ 
 fixteen years, already contains above eight thoufand 
 volumes , in Englilh, French, Italian, See. which 
 may be read on the following eafy terms, viz. 
 
 A Subfcriber by the Year, Half a Guinea. 
 
 For the Seafon, Five Shillings . 
 
 The Proprietor of this Library has alfo a Toy 
 Shop on the Efplanade, adjoining to the Box Door 
 
 of the Theatre. Here, and at the Library, 
 
 the London Morning and Evening Papers, as 
 likewife divers Country Papers are provided for 
 the ufe of the Subfcribers. 
 
 LADIES 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 5 
 LADIES BOARDING SCHOOL. 
 
 At the Boarding School on the Weymouth 
 fide of the water, formerly the refidence of Ralph 
 Allen, Efq; of Bath, which is now converted, by 
 Mrs. Morris, into a French and Englilh School, 
 Young Ladies are carefully and politely educa- 
 ted, and if judged requifite enjoy the advantage 
 of Sea Bathing, added to the excellence of the 
 Climate, without any interruption in the purfuit 
 
 of their Education. This circumftance may 
 
 prove of high importance to many Families, as 
 well as advantageous to the School. 
 
 HOI 3 and COLD BATHS , 
 
 Exceedingly commodious, fupplied from Sea 
 Water, are conftrudted upon the Quay weftward 
 of the Efplanade, which may be ufed at any time, 
 by day or night, at the following Rates 2 
 A Hot Bath before fix in the evening, 
 or an hour’s notice, — « 3 6 
 
 At a later hour, — 4 o 
 
 For each Guide attending, — 06 
 
 The Cold Bath is chiefly ufed by perfons inca- 
 pable of ufing the Bathing Machines, from either 
 lamenefs or very uncommon timidity. 
 
 D 2 The 
 
As we have already obferved, are near thirty in 
 number. — Some of thefe have Umbrellas, arid are 
 chiefly ufed by the Ladies, the Rates as follow : 
 
 An Umbrella Machine, with a Guide, i 6 
 
 A Gentleman’s bathing Machine, — o 6 
 
 For each Guide, o 6 
 
 (i^r Ladies and Gentlemen are fupplied with 
 bathing Drefles, by applying to the Guides ; and 
 bathing Caps for Ladies and Gentlemen are fold at 
 the Toy-fhop adjoining the Box-door of the Thea- 
 tre, and alfo at the Library in St . Thomas's- Street. 
 
 N. B . At the Baths a Sedaft is always in wait- 
 ing ; and they are frefh for every lady or gentleman 
 that ufes them ; which, if delired, may be attended 
 to by their own fervants. 
 
 To return to our Defcription of the Town itfelf, 
 we muft obferve, that the buildings originally were 
 low, though extenfive as to the ground on which 
 they flood, and adapted chiefly to the ufe of mer- 
 cantile and maritime convenience ; but this mode 
 has given way to more lofty Edifices, and we now 
 
 meet 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 53 
 
 meet with modern architecture, and houfes well 
 adapted to afford comfortable Lodgings, &c. for 
 fuch of the Nobility and Gentry as lhall honour 
 this Place with their company. 
 
 • \ • r X • r 
 
 THE C H U R C H. 
 
 This is an ancient Edifice in St, Mary’s* Street, 
 near the centre of the town. It confifts of a body 
 and two aides of equal length. Over the Com- 
 munion-table is a large ancHioble Altar-piece, re- 
 prefenting the Laft Supper, by Sir James Thorn- 
 ' bill, a native of this place, who was born in the 
 year 1675, knighted and made painter to the king 
 in 1720, and died in 1734. For this Pi&ure, 
 which was a prefent from him to the Church, Sir 
 James had refufed Seven Hundred Pounds. 
 
 The body of this Church is fupported 'by fix 
 arches, and feems to have been the old Chapel. 
 On a done near the old weft door is this date, 
 1580, perhaps when it was repaired. 
 
 That a Chapel flood here formerly appears by 
 the Bilhop of Sarum’s letter to the Dean of Dor- 
 chefter, to cite William le Towe, and Robert de 
 Durtefdyche, Prefbyters, for intruding into the 
 Chapel of Melcombe, belonging to the Mother 
 Church of Rappole, Anno Dom. 1301. This 
 feems afterwards to have funk into decay ; for the 
 
 D 3 Founders 
 
54 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 Founders of the Dominican Priory alledge that 
 there was no place dedicated to God in Melcombe. 
 i — Browne Willis thinks it was anciently confecrat- 
 ed to the Holy Trinity. 
 
 In 1605 a new Church was built on the fcite of 
 the Chapel, and made parochial ; and in 1 606 it 
 was confecrated by Dr. Zouch, Suffragran to the 
 Bifhop of Briftol, who named it Chrift Church. 
 The greateft benefaftors towards building it were 
 certain citizens of London. This was done pur* 
 fuant to an A(ft 1 Jac.^. 1604, fetting forth. That 
 the Church of Radipole is a mile and a half from 
 , any part of Melcombe, and fo fmall that it cannot 
 receive a fixth part of the parilhioners ; that in 
 Melcombe is a Chapel of Eafe, not able to con- 
 tain above half of the inhabitants, who are ten to 
 one. It was then enafted, that the inhabitants of 
 Melcombe may, pn the ground where the Chapel 
 {lands, ere£t a Church, and enclofe the wafte 
 grounds abutting on the north and fouth of the 
 Chapel, parcel of the polTeffions of the town of 
 Weymouth and Melcombe, to make a convenient 
 Church-Yard, This Church to be called the Pa- 
 rochial Church • and that fuch divine fervice, &c. 
 and other parochial rites which were formerly done 
 by the minifler of the old Church of Radipole, 
 for the inhabitants of Melcombe, {hall be done in 
 the new Church. Radipole to be reputed a Chapel 
 pf Eafe to it, yet to retain fuch parochial rites b^» 
 
 the 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. s5 
 
 the minifter of the new Church, as were perform- 
 ed in the old Church, or Church-Yard. The Pa*, 
 tron of Radipole to have the fame right of pre- 
 fentation in the new Church as he had in the old. 
 
 A manfion-houfe in Melcombe, with a garden, the 
 inheritance of Thomas Barefoot, Mayor, in the 
 Eaft-Street, or New-Street, (at prefent a mafon’s 
 yard) and bounded by the fea, (hall be for the In- 
 cumbent of the new Church. 
 
 Lady Brown, of the Frampton family, as is re- 
 ported, was a great benefadlrefs, as appears by her 
 arms in the eaft window of the north aide. The 
 Corporation-feat is adorned with the arms of the 
 united towns, in copper. 
 
 Sir Samuel Mico, Knt. and Alderman, by will, 
 bearing date September the 25th, 1665, made the 
 following remarkable and generous bequeft to this 
 town, which being erroneoufly dated by Mr. Hut- 
 chins, the following is a faithful extract from 
 the will : 
 
 “ Item. I give ten pounds to the town of 
 * c Melcombe Regis, in the county of Dorfet ; I 
 €e give my houfe, (landing on the Eaft end of the 
 ft Key of that town, called the George Tavern, 
 “ or Inn, with the yards or any other grounds 
 cc thereunto belonging, with the profits thereof, 
 iC to put out three poor children apprentices year- 
 “ ly ; to the Corporation of Weymouth and Mel- 
 “ combe Regis, in the county of Dorfet, I give 
 
 D 4 “ four 
 
5 6 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 “ four hundred pounds of lawful money of Eng- 
 “ land to be laid out in lands, the profits thereof 
 €t to be bellowed — twenty {hillings yearly on fome 
 “ good divine that they fhall yearly chufe, when 
 “ he hath preached a Sermon in the church of 
 “ Melcombe aforefaid, on the Friday immediately 
 cc before Palm Sunday every year, the reft to be 
 cc paid that day to ten poor decayed feamen of 
 “ that Corporation, of the age of threefcore years 
 li or upwards, in equal proportions, or fo many 
 cc of them within that number, that are fo quali- 
 “ fied, who are to be at the hearing of that fer- 
 6C mon, or fo many of them as are able.” 
 
 The Lady Brown gave 20s. per annum to the 
 Church, and the like fum to the poor. Mr. Hod- 
 der the intereft of 10 1 . to the poor. Dodtor de 
 Sella Nova, the intereft of jl. to the poor. Mr. 
 Middleton the intereft of iool. of which now re- 
 mains 25 1* Thefe are given for ever. Madam 
 Elizabeth Heyfome gave 30 1. to bind out three, 
 poor boys, 
 
 Bernard Michel, of Weymouth and Melcombe 
 Regis, merchant, by will, dated the 22d of March, 
 1646, gave (among other bequefts) to the poor of 
 Weymouth 33 s. 4d. and to the poor of Weymouth 
 and Melcombe Regis, ten bulhels of fea coal. To 
 fix poor women of Melcombe Regis, fix bulhels 
 of fea coal' yearly for ever ; to be paid out of the 
 yen t of his freehold lands. The King’s Head Inn 
 
 in 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE* 
 
 5 ? 
 
 5n this town was a part and parcel of the bequeft, 
 and the fame has hitherto been paid by the owners 
 thereof. 
 
 Thomas Hardy, of Melcombe Regis, Efquire, 
 (who died in 1 599) endowed the Borough of Dor- 
 chefter with the yearly revenue of 50 1. as follows : 
 To the clergyman of St. Peter's 20 1 . to a fchool- 
 mafter 20 1. to the ufher 20 nobles, ( 61 . 13s. 4d.) 
 and to the alms women five marks, (3I. 6 s. 8d.) 
 
 On the Melcombe fide of the water Hands the 
 Cuftom Houfe, which befides fubordinate officers 
 has a collector and comptroller ; and the trading 
 veffiels belonging to this port, exclufive of fhipping 
 from our own coafts and foreigners, are eftimated 
 at about one hundred. 
 
 This Haven is exceedingly well Iheltered, and 
 vefiels lie in perfeCt fafety, both at high and low 
 water, being fecure from any tempefluous elements. 
 
 The winds at S. S. E. are here productive of 
 the higheft tides, which in general rife from eight 
 to twelve feet perpendicular ; but by thefe are 
 confiderably encreafed. In their regular courfe 
 they are obferved to flow four hours, ebb four^ 
 and remain inactive four. 
 
 The Spring Tides begin the third day before 
 each change of the Moon, and gradually increafe 
 till the feventh, or third day after the change, 
 when the Tide is at its greatefi: height; in the 
 morning or afternoon; as the change happens to 
 
 be. 
 
S 8 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 be. It is high water at Weymouth on the day of 
 each change at fix o’clock. 
 
 An extenfive Lake above the town, which, at 
 Spring Tides, with great rapidity empties a vaft 
 body of water into the Harbour, is productive of 
 the moft falutary confequences ; as it ferves the pur- 
 pofe of effectually fcouring it from every obftruCtion 
 that muff otherwife prove highly detrimental. 
 
 To Grangers, and particularly thofe unacquainted 
 with the fea coafts, the great bank of Shingles 
 bounding Weft-bay from Portland Reach, will 
 
 afford great amufement. There are wonderful 
 
 variety of pebbles, both in colour and texture ; 
 many of thefe have been found to bear a fine 
 polilh, and have been converted into feals and 
 other trinkets. 
 
 The Bay of Weymouth* at different feafons, is 
 alfo found replete with fine fpecimens of fea weeds 
 and fhells ; and whilft the fifhermen are engaged 
 in their avocations, upon hawling the Seyne, bring 
 to fhore extraordinary productions of the ocean, 
 well worthy infpeCtion, and highly entertaining to 
 the curious. 
 
 This operation of hawling the Seyne (a fifhing- 
 net of prodigious length fo called) is greatly attended 
 to by Grangers, when it is no uncommon thing for 
 the fifhermen to bring to fhore from five to twenty 
 or thirty thoufand Herrings or Mackrel at a draught, 
 according to their refpeCtive feafons. 
 
 The 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 59 
 
 The PUBLIC WALKS are, 
 
 The Esplanade, or New Terrace, nearly 
 half a mile in length, in front of the Bay, ex- 
 tending from the Quay to .the Hotel. — This Ter- 
 race is the daily Promenade of the Company, and 
 is frequented both morning and evening, where 
 the fea-breeze is found highly refrefhing and falu* 
 brious, and the fea-fcape at once extenfive and de- 
 lightful. It muff: alfo be obferved, that the fands 
 are particularly firm the moment the waves have 
 quitted them ; that they are pleafant to the tread, 
 and that no ill effedts are here experienced from 
 either damp air or foil ; nor are parties in failing 
 excurfions fubjedt to take cold, by having their 
 feet, legs, or clothes made wet by fea water. 
 
 The FIRST LOOK OUT , 
 
 Turning to the left, after crofling the bridge. 
 This is an eminence at the diftance of about half 
 a mile from the town, which affords a very exten- 
 five view of the Channel to the eafi, the ifland of 
 Portland to the fouthward, the White Cliffs to the 
 north which exhibit a bold fhore, and are termi- 
 nated by the immenfe headland of St. Albans, a 
 land-mark of 440 perpendicular feet above the 
 
 fea. 
 
60 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 fea, of great importance to mariners, and at the 
 diftance of near twenty miles. 
 
 Upon this coafi, and at a very fmali diftance eafl- 
 ward of St. Alban’s, on Friday, January 6, 1786, 
 about two o’clock in the morning, the Halfewell 
 Eaft Indiaman, outward bound, was unhappily 
 dafhed to pieces, and Capt. Pierce, with his two 
 daughters, and many other paflfengers, as well as 
 failors and foldiers perifhed. There were on 
 board, when this fatal accident happened, 250 
 perfons, only 74 of whom were faved. 
 
 Having afcended thus far, refrelhments may be 
 procured at the Farm House, viz. fyllabubs, cream 
 and curds, whey, butter-milk, fruit, &c. &c. 
 
 The UPPER LOOK OUT, 
 
 Upon this fummit a fuller view of Portland pre- 
 fents itfelf, with Welj: Bay, tjie immenfe beach of 
 Shingles, and the Ihipping up and down the 
 Channel. 
 
 Purfuing the foot-path along the fide of the 
 precipice, you are led to Sandsfoot, or Wey- 
 mouth Castle ; and from thence to Smallmouth 
 Sands, and to the Ferry-House, eroding to 
 Portland. The extent of this excurfion rather 
 exceeds two miles. 
 
 The 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 61 
 
 l%e Road to WYKE and PORTLAND * 
 
 By turning to the right, after paffing over the 
 bridge at Weymouth, a pleafant ride or walk leads 
 to Wyke Nap, and from thence to Wyke 
 Church. 
 
 This Church is fpaciouS, and conflrufted of 
 Portland ftone, fuperior to any other church in 
 thefe parts, and the diftance being moderate, is 
 much frequented by ftrangers, the Church at Wey- 
 mouth being too fmall for the inhabitants. — It has 
 a lofty embattled tower, containing four bells ; and 
 the Church ferves for both a fea and land mark* 
 
 Nearly contiguous, fomewhat to the left of the 
 road, is Belfield, the feat of Mrs. Buxton, de- 
 figned and executed by Mr. Crunden, in a flyle of 
 elegance which does credit to the tafte and abi- 
 lities of the artift. 
 
 Purfuing the carriage way to the diftattce of 
 about half a mile, is a fafe Ferry for Carriages, 
 Horfes, &c. to Portland, at which the following 
 
 are the rates : 
 
 A foot paflenger, o t 
 
 A man and horfe, < o z 
 
 A one horfe chaife, i 6 
 
 A poll chaife, 2 6 
 
 A coach, — — —— 3 6 
 
 Another 
 
€z WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 Another exceeding pleafant walk may be found* 
 by purfuing a foot-path to the left, after palling 
 the turnpike on the road towards Dorchefter. — 
 This path leads to the village of Radypole, about 
 two miles from Weymouth, and is much frequent- 
 ed. The country on this fide, the town has but 
 little elevation, but the village itfelf is exceedingly 
 pleafant, as well as rural ; and at the fign of The 
 Honejl Man y Radypole Bifcuits, with tea and other 
 refrelhments, may be procured. . 
 
 Pleafant Excurfons on Horfeback or in Carriages . 
 
 There are many delightful rides near this place, 
 although it has the appearance of being confined— 
 we fliall enumerate a few. Thofe who wilh to ex- 
 plore further, will find fuflicient temptation. 
 
 To the right over the bridge leads to Mrs. 
 Penny’s, a large flone-built houfe. Turning to 
 the left at this place, and afterwards purfuing the 
 diredt road, brings you to the Ruins of Sands- 
 foot, or Weymouth Castle ; further on to 
 Smallmouth Sands, where is a fine view of the 
 ifland of Portland. Thefe Sands lead to the 
 Ferry-House. 
 
 By Wyke Church, to the right from this 
 Ferry, there are variety of extenfive Iheep walks. 
 Down the lane carries you to Lane-House Farm ; 
 from hence the turnpike-road leads to Abbotlbury, 
 
 and 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 6 $ 
 
 and over Crook’s Hill, which brings you to the 
 village of Fleet, where is a large Houfe belong- 
 ing to George Gould, Eiq; of Upway. 
 
 Another Ride of eight miles carries you to Ab- 
 botfbury ; and from thence to Bridport, (all the 
 way by the fea fide) is eight miles further. 
 
 To Bridport from Weymouth by Dorchefter, is 
 twenty-three miles. 
 
 To Bridport, through Up way, is twenty-one 
 miles. 
 
 Taking the road from Weymouth to Dorchefter, 
 the firft village is Broadway ; palling which, a de- 
 lightful little village, called Upway, lays on the 
 left. Having afcended Ridgeway-Hill, there is a 
 very extenfive profpedt, efpecially towards the 
 fouth, which affords a fine view of the Channel, 
 illand of Portland, Weymouth, Wyke Tower, 
 and part of Weft Bay. 
 
 From hence, keeping to the right along the 
 ridge of hills, the excurfion may be extended any 
 diftance ; and ftill bearing circularly to the right, 
 over theDowns,thereturn is pleafant by Ofmington. 
 
 If you proceed to Dorchefter, after afcending 
 Ridgeway-Hill, you defcend to a village called 
 Monckton ; on the right of which is Herringfton, 
 a fine old manfion, the feat of the Williams’s. 
 
 Immediately after pafllng the turnpike at Wey- 
 mouth, by turning to the right, you are brought 
 
 to 
 
6 4 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 to Sutton, Prefton, and Ofmington ; Pokefwell 
 and Warmwell, ill the road to Wirifrith and Lul- 
 worth Caftle, at the diftance of fourteen miles ; and 
 Cdrfe Caftle twenty-two from Weyfnouth. 
 
 Another agreeable ride is, to turn to^the^ left 
 through the ftream at Upway, which leads to 
 Chickerell, by Mr. Pond’s Farm ; and back to 
 Weymouth, by the turnpike road to Abbotfbury. 
 
 To Portland from Weymouth is about three 
 miles, and to the Light-Houfes, on the furtheft 
 part of the Iiland, about three and a half from 
 Chifwell, the firft village. 
 
 Parties by Water . 
 
 During the feafon, fiftiing and failing boats are 
 Conftantly in waiting, along-fide the Pier* to at- 
 tend ftrangers, where, without the lead: rifque, 
 the moil timorous may amufe themfelves with 
 catching filver whiting, mackrell, and a variety of 
 other fifh, without going out of fight of the town. 
 
 To Portland Caftle is about three miles. 
 
 To St. Alban Head, the furtheft land in fight, 
 facing the Bay to the Eaft, is about eighteen miles. 
 
 To Lul worth by water, is about ten miles ; the 
 paftage both fafe and pleafant ; yet- it may be pro- 
 per to hint to ftrangers, that the gale which car- 
 ries them pleafantly thither may fo far retard their 
 return as to leave them the whole night upon the 
 
 Water# 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 65 
 
 <vater. It has therefore been found expedient to 
 be met by carriages or horfes at Lulworth. 
 
 Lulworth Cove is a natural bafon, furrounded 
 with very high cliffs, in the fhape of a horfe-fhoe, 
 of which the opening forms the entrance. It is 
 1380 feet in diameter, twenty-one feet deep at low 
 water ; admits veffels of eighty tons burthen, and 
 is a great natural curiofity ; as are alfo the lands 
 hereabouts, which form the moft romantic and 
 pleafing variety of profpedts. 
 
 Alderney is eighteen leagues, fouth fouth eaft 
 from Portland. 
 
 Guernfey twenty leagues, fouth and by weft, 
 from Portland. 
 
 Jerfey is twenty-fix leagues fouth of Portland. 
 
 INNS and TAVERNS. 
 
 The principal of thefe are the five following, at 
 all of which poft chaife and faddle horfes are kept 
 for the accommodation of the company, viz. 
 
 Mr. Stacey’s Hotel, in Gloucefler-buildings. 
 
 The King’s-Head, kept by Mr. Luce. 
 
 The Crown, kept by Mr. Loats ; as alfo 
 
 The Golden Lion, kept by Mr. Spicer, are all 
 three in the Market-place. And, 
 
 The Navy Tavern, kept by Mr. Lodder, on the 
 other fide of the Harbour, in Weymouth. 
 
 E 
 
 At 
 
66 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 At the Golden Lion, in the Market-place, is 
 the, Post-Office, where the Mails from London, 
 Bath, and the Weft of England arrive every After- 
 noon (except Mondays) between four and five 
 o’clock ; and are difpatched from thence every fore- 
 noon (except Saturday) at a quarter before eleven. 
 
 ¥ i 
 
 BOARDING-HOUSES. 
 
 There are feveral ; and at the Old Rooms, or 
 Navy Tavern, Ladies and Gentlemen may be ac- 
 commodated with Board and Lodgings. Care is 
 alfo taken, that no improper company be admitted. 
 — General terms, 16 s. per week for Board ; Wine, 
 Tea, and Sugar, not included; jos. a week for 
 each Room. — Out of the Seafon, that is after the 
 2 1 ft of Oftober to the middle of June, 5 s. a week 
 each Room, Fire and Candle not included. 
 
 The following COACHES from London and Exeter, 
 Inn at the King’s-Arms y Dorchester. 
 
 The Mail Coach arrives every day from London 
 about one o’clock, and returns to London from 
 Falmouth and Exeter every day at the fame hour. 
 Fare to London Two Pounds. 
 
 The Mercury goes to London every day at two 
 in the afternoon. Fare Thirty-fix Shillings. 
 
 The 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE, 67 
 
 The Exeter Poft-Coach arrives from London at 
 fix o’clock in the evening, Hops all night, and 
 proceeds to Exeter at four in the morning, — Fare 
 to London One Pound Eleven Shillings, 
 
 The Balloon Coach inns at the Antelope, pafTes 
 through Dorchefter every day about three o’clock. 
 Fare Thirty-fix Shillings, 
 
 Bath and Briftol Coach arrives at the Crown Inn 
 in Weymouth, Mondays, Wednefdays, and Fri- 
 days ; and returns Tuefdays, Thurfdays, and Sa-s 
 turdays, at five in the morning.-— Fare One Guinea, 
 A Waggon from Bath and Briftol comes every 
 fortnight to the Bear Inn, in St. Thomas’s-Street, 
 Waggons from London arrive at Dorchefter 
 three or four days in a week, and take goods; to 
 Town as frequently. Proper Warehoufes and 
 Books are kept at Dorchefter. The goods are 
 fetched from thence by James Beer* who live? 
 near the Theatre, 
 
 RATES of CHAIRMEN . 
 
 From any part of the town to the Afifembly- 
 
 Room, — ■■■ - 
 
 From any part over the water. 
 Waiting an hour, — 
 
 1 9 
 
 1 6 
 
 1 6 
 
 1 Q 
 
 Every hour after, 
 & ftiort fare. 
 
 9 6 
 
( '68 ) 
 
 ‘To this Defcription o/Weymouth k has leen judged 
 requifite to add an Account of Milton Abbey, 
 Shirborne Castle, Lulworth Castle, the 
 Island of Portland, Maiden Castle, Ab- 
 botsbitry, the Amphitheatre near Dorches- 
 ter, Upway, &c. 
 
 MILTON ABBEY, 
 
 l S fituated feven miles from Blandford, eleven 
 from Dorchefter, and nineteen from Weymouth, 
 and was founded by king Athelftan in the year 843., 
 
 At the diffolution of the Monafteries king Henry 
 the eighth granted this Abbey of Black Bene- 
 didtines to Sir John Tregonwell, which having in 
 procefs o£ time come into Lord Milton’s poffeflion,, 
 his Lordlhip, in 1771, pulled down all the old 
 Abbey, become quite ruinous, (except the very 
 beautiful and magnificent Hall, which retains in 
 every refpedt its ancient form and ornaments) and 
 raifed the prefent beautiful ftrudture of Portland 
 Hone on its. prefent fcite, in a form expreffive of 
 its name and former application, and in a flyle of 
 architedture correfponding to the venerable Abbey 
 Church by its fide. 
 
 It 
 
weymouth guide. e 9 
 
 It Hands on a knole back’d to the eaft by a 
 large high wooded hill, called St. Catherine’s, 
 (from a moH beautiful Saxon Chapel founded alfo 
 and dedicated to her, by king Athelflan, Handing on 
 its fide and hanging over the Abbey) at the jundtion 
 of three fpacious valleys, which winding between 
 other hills, covered with extenfive plantations, give 
 the place a charadter of beauty peculiar to itfelf, 
 and form the moH grand and Hngular fcenes that 
 can be conceived. 
 
 The village lying formerly under the knole on 
 which this Abbey Hands, being low, dirty, and 
 ruinous, has lately been removed and with the 
 parifli church, vicarage houfe, and alm-houfes, 
 entirely new built by Lord Milton in a pidlu- 
 refque winding valley ; the cottages from their 
 Hiape and uniformity making a very lingular and 
 beautiful place. 
 
 The Abbey is connedted to the Abbey Church 
 by an inclofed beautiful Cloifler. — In the Apart- 
 ments are many good portraits, and in the drawing 
 room a colledtion of Italian and Flemifh pidtures, 
 by the beH maflers. 
 
 The Abbey Church is Hill a mofl magnificent 
 gothic flrudture, tho’ a great part of it was defiroyed 
 by a fiorm of lightning, in 1309, the reign of 
 Edward the lid. There is a moH beautiful monu- 
 ment in it, defigned by Mr. Adam, and executed 
 by Auguflino Carlini, in 1775— the very e l e g ant 
 
 E 3 and 
 
>6 Weymouth guide. 
 
 and juft Infcription on it was written by Do&of 
 Barnard Provoft, of Eton College, who had the 
 honor of being well acquainted with the noble and 
 excellent lady. 
 
 H. S. E. 
 
 Honoratiflima Dorrtina 
 Carolina de Milton, 
 
 Ex nobiliflima Sackvillorum Stirp e 
 Oriunda : 
 
 Claritudinem Generis adeo fuftinuit, 
 
 Ut virtutibus ornavit fuis ; 
 
 In civiiis vitas confuetudine 
 Eleganter, 
 
 Domefticae amabiliter Verfata* 
 
 Eminuit 
 
 Uxoris officiis et Matris. 
 
 Hoc Marmor, 
 
 Morum placidiflimorum, 
 
 Fidei, Pietatis, Prudenti^, 
 Monimentum, 
 
 SuOs ctim fepultis cineres confociaturus, 
 Masreils pofuit 
 
 Jofephus Damer, Baro de Milton. 
 
 The approaches to the Abbey are fine { Lord 
 Milton^s private road from Blandford is remarkably 
 fo ; it pafles for fix miles through his grounds, 
 and chiefly through his great woods* which as they 
 %over the fides of hills, open in various places, and 
 Sett in moft agreeable views of the neighbouring 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 7 * 
 
 and diftant country : The eaftern lodges at this 
 entrance of the park, (which contains above two 
 thoufand acres) are very beautiful, and the ap- 
 proach from them to the Abbey exceedingly fine 
 and romantick : The fouthern gates and piers, at 
 the entrance into the park from Dorchefter, arc 
 alfo very handfome. 
 
 SHIRBORNE 
 
 IS twenty-fix miles from Weymouth, through 
 Dorchefter, in the road to Bath and Briftol. It is 
 a large town, and pleafantly fituated. At this 
 place are fome capital filk mills, which give em- 
 ployment to a great number of hands. 
 
 Ina, king of the Saxons, anno domini 704, 
 ercdted at Shirborne a Bifhop’s See ; under whofe 
 jurididtion he put the counties, Dorfet, Somerfet, 
 Devon, Cornwall, Wilts, and Berks ; and confe- 
 crated for the firft Bifhop, Aldelme, his brother 
 Kenton’s fon. After him, fourteen Bifhops en- 
 joyed the See, of whom you may read in Francis 
 Godwin’s (Bp. of Worcefter’s) Catalogue of Bi- 
 fhops; who himfelf was a great lover of antiquities. 
 
 ^Elsthanus, the feventh Bifhop of this See, 
 confecrated anno 817, greatly increafed and en- 
 riched this Church ; and for the further honpur of 
 it, procured the bodies of king Ethelbald and 
 
 E 4 Ethelbert, 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 72 
 
 Ethelbert, to be there depofited ; whofe fepulchres 
 were behind the Altar. 
 
 Herman was the laft Bifhop, when the See was 
 removed to Sarum, by order of a Council at Lon- 
 don, 1075. He died the preceding year, 1074. 
 
 His Succeffor, Roger, in the time of Henry the 
 Firft, built a ftrong Caftle in the eaftern part of 
 the town, fenced for the molt part by a large 
 FofTa. Upon the Tranflation of the See, the 
 Bilhop’s houfe, and the Cathedral were left to the 
 Monks, and it grew to be an Abbey of great note 
 and wealth, through Joceline the fourth Bilhop 
 of Sarum ; who, exclufive of his own munificence 
 towards it, got a confirmation through Henry the 
 Second. The Liberality of Alexander and Bilhop 
 Neville was of great account to it. 
 
 The Abbey came to an end in the reign of king 
 Henry Vlllth. And the Church, which (or part 
 of which) had been recently built, by pulling down 
 two other Churches for Materials, was purchafed 
 through Sir John Horfey, by the inhabitants. 
 
 The CHURCH , 
 
 Is a ftrong regular building, in the form of a 
 Crofs, 207 feet long, and 102 feet wide. The 
 Nave is one noble Gothick room, 182 feet by 32, 
 and 109 feet high. The roof is of ftone, finely 
 enriched with mouldings, the Arms of neighbour- 
 ing Abbeys, and other ornaments. 
 
 The 
 
73 
 
 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 The A f, TJ R -PIECE. 
 
 Was given by William Lord Digby, and con- 
 lifts of a fine folemn pediment of large dimenfions, 
 fuiting the fpacioufnefs of the place, fupported by 
 four large fluted pillars, in the Corinthian Order, 
 all of Norway oak. Underneath this Altar-piece, 
 within the Communion-rails, lies a flab of black 
 marble, curioufly fculptured with arches and pi- 
 lafters, near the extremes, the Digby Arms, paley, 
 with others in relieve, about the middle, over the 
 arms, is this Infcription in a circular form; 
 
 6C Ifto fub marmore pofitae funt exuviae illuftrift 
 
 fimae heroinas ac doming Beatricis.” 
 
 Then in jiraight Lines . 
 
 “ Johannis Comitis Briftol ac utriufque fortunae 
 “ torique Confortis fideliflimEe.” 
 
 Below the Arms. 
 
 cc Carnem placide exuta immortalitatem in- 
 6C duit idibus Septembs, anno ab illo [Salutis] 
 “ CIO ID CX VVVVVVVV IIIIIIII. 
 
 “ Aitatis fua? xxxxxxxxiv. 
 
 cc Cujus animas mifereri Deum opt. max. ac 
 " fperatam gloram dediffe pie fperamus.” 
 
 Clofe 
 
74 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 Clofe by Lady Briftors grave lie the bodies oi : 
 two of her ladyfhip’s great grand-children, who 
 died in her life-time, children of Arthur Chichefter, 
 fon and heir of Edward Lord Vifcount Carrick- 
 fergus, by Mary, daughter of John Digby, Earl 
 of Briftol. 
 
 In the north aide Hands a large Monument of 
 free Hone, but of no very curious workmanihip. 
 It confifts of two whole-length figures lying upon 
 an altar tomb, with a neat Hone canopy over them. 
 There are no infcriptions remaining. It contains, 
 however, the albes of two brothers. Sir John and 
 Sir Edward Horfey ; the former died 1546, the 
 latter 1 564. They were of a family, whofe de- 
 means were very extenfive in Dorfetfhire and So- 
 merfetfhire, containing many of the largeft manors 
 and belt eftates in each county. Several confidera- 
 ble manfion houfes and fome churches are ftill 
 remaining, with the Horfey’s arms about them, 
 cut in Hone, or painted upon glafs. But as an 
 inftance of the decline and .extinftion of fome 
 fplendid families, and the inftability of wealth and 
 grandeur, we have to obferve, that .the laft Sir John 
 Horfey (without any attainder, or other high for- 
 feiture incurred in the family) died an outlaw, for 
 a debt of fo fmall a fum as ten pounds. 
 
 In the fouth aide lies a very ancient figure of a 
 Bifhop, with a crofier very much defaced. 
 
 Near 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 75 
 
 Near him lie two free-ftone figures at whole 
 length, Sir — — Fitz-James and his lady, formerly 
 the owners of Sir Stephen Nafli’s eftate at Lew- 
 teflon near Sherborne, the laft of an ancient and 
 refpedtabfe family in Somerfetfhire. An anceftor 
 of theirs was a very confiderable man in the reign 
 of Henry the Eighth, Lord Chief Juflice of the 
 Court of King’s Bench, and a particular favourite 
 of the King. His brother was at the fame time 
 Bifhop of London. Their tomb is much in the 
 fame tafle with that of the Horfey’s family. There 
 appears to have been an infeription, but the plates, 
 on which probably it was engraved, are no where 
 to be found. Their frames only remain in the 
 ftone. This tomb was feme few years fince cleaned 
 and beautified by order, and at the expence of the 
 Duke of Northumberland. 
 
 Not far from thefe, over a vault of the Digby 
 family, is a very elegant and {lately marble monu* 
 ment, ere&ed to the memory of John Earl of BriftoL 
 Under a femicircular pediment, fupported by two 
 fluted pillars in the Corinthian Order, {lands a fine 
 fetue of the Earl, drefled in his parliamentary 
 robes. On his left hand, a llatue of his firft lady, 
 and another of his fecond lady on his right, both 
 in an eafy undrefs. On their refpe&ive pedeflals 
 are the names of their families, and the dates of 
 their births and burials. 
 
 On 
 
7 s WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 On that of the Earl is the following fine Infcrip- 
 lion* written by that excellent man Dr. Hough, 
 bifhop of Worcefter. 
 
 Here lies 
 
 John Lord Digby, Baron Digby of Sherborne, 
 
 And Earl of Briftol ; 
 
 Titles to which the Merit of his Grand Father firft gave Luflre, 
 And which he himfelf laid down unfullied. 
 
 He was naturally inclined to avoid the Hurry of a publick Life, 
 Yet careful to keep up the Port of his Quality. 
 
 Was willing to be at Eafe, but fcorn’d Obfcurity ; 
 
 And therefore never made his Retirement a Pretence to draw 
 Himfelf within a narrower Compafs, or to fhun fuch Expence 
 As Charity, Hofpitality, and his Honour call’d for. 
 
 His Religion was that which by Law is eftablilhed; 
 
 And the Condud of his Life Ihew’d the Power of it in his Heart. 
 His Diftindion from others 
 Never made him forget himfelf or them. 
 
 He was kind and obliging to his Neighbours, 
 Generous and condefcending 
 To his Inferiours, and juft to all Mankind. 
 
 Nor had the Temptations to Honour and Pleafure in this World, 
 Strength enough to withdraw his Eyes from that great 
 Objed of his Hope, which we reafonably allure ourfelves 
 He now enjoys. 
 
 * 
 
 Near this is a tablet of black marble to the me- 
 mory of Mr. Robert and Mrs. Mary Digby, fon 
 
 and 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. V/ 
 
 2nd daughter of the late good old Lord Digby, 
 with the following infcription by Mr. Pope, 1727, 
 
 “ GO, fair example of untainted Youth, 
 
 Of modeft Reafon, and pacific Truth ; 
 
 M Go, juft of Worth, in ev’ry Thought fineere, 
 
 • f Who knew no with, but what the world might hear } 
 
 “ Of gentleft Manners, unafte&ed Mind, 
 u Lover of Peace, and Friend to human kind ; 
 
 ** Compos'd in fufFerings, and in joys fedate, 
 
 “ Good without noife, without pretenfions greats 
 “ Go, live, for heaven's eternal Year is thine, 
 
 " Go, and exalt thy mortal to divine. 
 
 And thou, too clofe attendant on his doom, 
 
 “ Bleft maid, haft haften’d to the filent Tomb j 
 “ Steer’d the fame courfe to the fame quiet fhore, 
 
 “ Nor parted long, and now to part no more. 
 
 ** Yet take thefe tears. Mortality’s relief, 
 
 M And, till we lhare your joys, forgive our grief 5 
 Thefe little rites, a ftone and verfe receive, 
 
 “ ’Tis all a Father, all a Friend can give. 
 
 “ A, POP E** 
 
 In the Chancel, fome few years fince, was erefted 
 a very elegant monument,, in the modern tafte, 
 the memory of the late Carew Harvey Mildmay* 
 Efquirc, with inferiptions giving his character and 
 genealogy ; by the latter of which it appears, that 
 this gentleman was defeended from a very ancient 
 family, traced thro’ a line of illuftrious anceflort 
 from the reign of Stephen the IVth monarch from 
 the conqueft : — Among whom was Sir Walter 
 Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer to Quee*i 
 
 Elizabeth* 
 
7 S WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 Elizabeth, who was the founder of Emanuel CoU 
 lege, Cambridge. 
 
 There are feveral traces of antiquity in different 
 parts of the Church, fuch as ancient circular arches 
 (which were prior to fuch as are pointed) found in 
 the old veftry room, which appear to have been 
 entrances into cells ; the capitals of fome of the 
 pillars ; the fcrolls with faxon infcriptions, &c. 
 
 The Porch, and Entrance at the great weftern 
 door are as beautiful Specimens of gothic orpa- 
 mental Architecture, and in as good preferyation 
 as moff in England, 
 
 The PATENT for founding the ALMSHOUSE , 
 
 Was granted by Henry the Vlth, to Robert Ne- 
 ville, Bifhop of Salifbury ; Humphry Stafford, of 
 Stoke, in the county of Dorfet, Knight ; Margaret 
 Gough, of Berwick, in the fame county, widow ; 
 John Founteleroy, of Alwefton in the fame county ; 
 and John Barret, of Sh.irborne. The charter bears 
 date nth July, in the 15th year of Henry Vlth’s 
 reign, 1437. This charitable fund maintains fix- 
 teen poor, feeble, and impotent men — one of whom 
 is elefted prior : And eight Women — from among 
 whom a houfewife is chofen. Twenty gentlemen 
 of the town, who are duly eleCted to that office, 
 under the appellation of matter and brethren! 
 regulate and conduCt this charity. 
 
 Every 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE; 
 
 79 
 
 Every member of this body is alfo a feoffee, and 
 in his turn the warden and governor of 
 
 A FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL , 
 
 founded by King Edward the Vlth* This School 
 is very eommodioufiy built, and very well endowed 
 for the maintenance of two maffers, who are to be 
 clergymen of the church of England, and graduates 
 in one of the Englifli univerfities. 
 
 There {lands in the market-place, an octagonal 
 building, erected by Sir John Horfey, in the Go- 
 thic ftyle, with a fliort crofs on the top of it ; not 
 fo much worth notice in itfelf, as for the Conduits 
 Pipe within it, which has, from the time it was 
 firft fix’d there, and does {till continue conftantly to 
 difcharge a fine foft fpring water, at the rate of 
 nearly a hogfhead every minute. 
 
 SHIRBORNE CASTLE. 
 
 About the year 1139, the Caftle of Shirborne 
 was wrefted from Roger, then Bifliop of Sarum, 
 by King Stephen, which was afterwards conferred 
 on William Montacute, by King Edward the 
 Third, whom he created Earl of Salifoury, But 
 
 in 
 
So WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 ' . »w . m , y t ■' to- 
 
 rn after times, the feo-ffarm"of It was granted t?y 
 Queen Elizabeth, to Sir Walter Raleigh ; who 
 began very fairly to rebuild the Caftle ; but alter- 
 ing his purpofe, he built from the ground in the 
 park adjoining, oil a well-lituated fpot, a fmall 
 houfe with four hexagon towers, which went by 
 the name of the Lodge* and which he beautified 
 with groves and gardens. 
 
 After the attainder of Sir Walter* it belonged to 
 Kerr, Earl of Somerfet ; and when he forfeited it* 
 on the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury* in 1615* 
 Sir John Digby, afterwards created Earl of Briftol* 
 purchafed it of the Crown* and in the latter end of 
 King James the Firft’s reign, retired to his feat at 
 Shirborne, and built the four wings, which are 
 confiderably lower than the body of the houfe ; at 
 the end of which he added four hexagon towers, 
 which building altogether forms the figure of the 
 letter H. 
 
 There ftili remains in the garden a grove planted 
 by Sir Walter Raleigh, which to this day goes by 
 his name. 
 
 The river Ivel takes its courfe underneath the 
 Caftle, by the Eaft fide of the town, and the exten* 
 live ferpentine piece of water, covering the vale, 
 between the ruins of the caftle and the houfe, was 
 ihade by Edward Lord Digby, in the year 1 7 55 - 
 
 There is a handfome ftone bridge with three 
 eliptic arches over the upper part of the water, 
 built by the prefent Lord Digby, about 20 years 
 
 ago. 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 81 
 
 ago. The Park, confiding of nearly eleven hun- 
 dred acres, is well wooded and flocked with deer, 
 &c. and furrounded by a wall fence ; affording a 
 variety of beautiful home views, as well as fine 
 extenfive profpedis. In it Hands a clump of firs on 
 an eminence, planted by Mr. Pope, which com- 
 monly goes by the name of Jerufalem, from whence 
 the view is generally efieemed a delightful one. 
 
 L UL WORTH CASTLE, 
 
 DISTANT from Weymouth about fourteen 
 miles, appears from Tyrrel’s Hiflory of England, 
 to have been a Caftle ever fince the year 1146, 
 when Robert Earl of Gloucefter, took that for- 
 trefs for the Emprefs Maude. 
 
 The caflje in its prefent form was built by 
 Thomas Howard, Vifcount Bindon ; was begun 
 in 1588, and finifhed in 1609. It was bought of 
 the Howard family, by Humphrey Weld, Efq. 
 in 1641, and though the Earl of Suffolk refided 
 here in 1635, little of the infide work was 
 finifhed, when the prefent owner Thomas Weld, 
 Efq. fitted it up, and completed it in its prefent 
 elegant tafte. 
 
 This feat has had the honour of entertaining 
 King James I, when he came on his Weftern pro* 
 
 F grefs 
 
82 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 grefs to hunt in this park and the ifle of Purbeck, 
 anno 1615.; and alfo King Charles II. and the 
 Dukes of York and Monmouth, whofe names the 
 apartments (till bear in which they flept. 
 
 It is a noble pile of building, a little north of 
 the church, upon the edge of the Park, on a 
 rifing ground, commanding a fine prcfpeft of the 
 fea, from an opening between the hills ; and from 
 the top of the caftle is a moft extenfive view over 
 the country, efpecially on the North and Eaft. 
 It is an exact cube of 80 feet, with a round tower 
 at each corner 30 feet in diameter, rifing 16 feet 
 above the walls, which, as well as the towers, 
 are embattled. The offices are under ground, 
 and arched with ftone. The principal front is to 
 the Eaft. Over the doors at the entrance are the 
 ftatues of two ancient Romans in their gowns ; 
 and on each fide of the door, which is fupported 
 by four pillars of the Doric order, is a large 
 niche, and over them two ftiields, on which are 
 the arms of Weld. 
 
 The houfe confifts of three ftories ; the towers 
 of four. In each front are thtee rows of four 
 windows ; and in the towers four rows of three 
 each, exclufive of the offices. 
 
 It is reckoned, for its uniformity, one of the 
 fineft feats in the county, and was juflly admired 
 by Charles II. The large gardens adjoining, and 
 the groves of trees that almoft fourround the 
 
 edifice. 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 83 
 
 edifice, which are very fcarce on this coaft, add 
 greatly to the beauty and grandeur of the place ; 
 and it is perhaps one of the belt furnifhed private 
 houfes in the kingdom. 
 
 In the different apartments Ihewn to Grangers 
 are paintings of great merit, though they are not 
 exhibited as a collection to gratify the expectation 
 of connoiffeurs. 
 
 The HALL , cr Entrance , 
 
 Forty-fix feet in length, and twenty in width. 
 Over the doors are the arms of the fucceffive 
 owners of the caftle $ and on the frieze, over the 
 fereen of columns, are painted the arms of the 
 family, from the year 1350, down to the prefent 
 time. On the other fide of the fereen, on the 
 frieze, are the arms of thofe into which any of 
 the Weld family have intermarried, fince the 
 above period ; elegantly painted by Mr. Hague. 
 
 The SALOON 
 
 Is forty-fix feet by twenty-five, and nineteen feet 
 high. At one end is a capital organ, ereCted in 
 1777, and built by Mr. Seede, jun. of Briftoh 
 
 The PICTURES are, 
 
 A Family Portrait, by Sir Peter Lely . 
 
 A ditto, by ditto. 
 
 F 2 
 
 A Family 
 
84 WEYMOUTH GUIDE, 
 
 A Family Portrait, by Sir Peter Lely . 
 
 A ditto, ‘ - by ditto. 
 
 A ditto, - - by 
 
 A Dance at a Spanifh Wedding. 
 
 A Spanifli Wedding Feaft. 
 
 A Family Portrait, by Sir Peter Lely . 
 
 A ditto, - ' by Sir Godfrey Kneller . 
 
 A ditto, - - by ditto. 
 
 A View of this Caftle, by Be Bruyne . 
 
 And a fine Pidture of Ruins, 
 
 The B REAKFAST PARLOUR . 
 
 The Adoration of the Three Kings, by Be Vos. 
 Saint Paul and Saint Anthony in the Defert, by 
 
 B. Teniers . 
 
 A Portrait, by Angelica Kauffman . 
 
 A Family Pidture, by Holbein . 
 
 A ditto, - - by 
 
 In this room alfo is a large colledtion of ftrong 
 Likenefles, mofily family pieces, with fome of 
 their friends, all penciled by the late celebrated 
 Giles Huffey , Efq. of Marnhull, in Dorfet. The 
 cieling, and other ornaments, were painted by 
 Mr . Hague, 
 
 The EATING ROOM 
 
 Is forty-four feet by twenty-two, and feventeen 
 feet high. Here is an elegant fcreen of columns in 
 Imitation of granite, much admired for their near * 
 
 approach 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 85 
 
 approach to nature, having the polifh and deli- 
 cacy of real marble ; painted alfo by Mr. Hague . 
 In this Room are likewife fome family portraits, 
 and from the windows a pidturefque view of the 
 grounds and Lodge at the entrance to the houfe 
 from Dorcheder. 
 
 The DRAWING ROOM. 
 
 This Room is fifty feet by twenty-five, and 
 eighteen feet high. The deling, from a defign of 
 Mr. John Tafker, is the performance alfo of Mr* 
 Hague* The chairs and fettees are Worked in 
 filk, with elegant carved and gilt frames. The 
 noble glades (of which there are three) were ma- 
 nufadtured near Prefcot in Lancafhire. The carpet, 
 which is woven to anfwer the compartments in the 
 deling, was made by Mr. Moore, of 'Chifwel! 
 Street, London, and is not only the larged, but 
 fuppofed to be the mod elegant he ever made.— 
 From this Apartment the eye is ravilhed with the 
 mod delightful profpedl that the fea and a mod 
 enchanting country can poflibly afford ; the beau- 
 ties of which may be felt by the fpedtator, but 
 mud greatly fuffer from any profaic description. 
 
 THE LIB R ART 
 
 Twenty-fix feet by twenty-one, is neatly fitted up, 
 and contains about two ftoufand volumes of the 
 bed authors. The 
 
86 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 The KING'S BED-CHAMBER 
 
 Is twenty-four feet by twenty-one, and eighteen 
 feet high* The State Bed and hangings are of 
 blue Damafk, as are the chairs and window 
 curtains. 
 
 Mrs. WELD's DRESSING ROOM. 
 
 11 Repofo, or the Holy Family refting in their 
 Flight into Egypt, by C. Lorraine. 
 
 A Family Pidture, by Battoni. 
 
 A ditto, by Beach . 
 
 Miniature Pi&ures, by Majler Laivrence y then eleve* 
 years of age. 
 
 A Family Pidture, by Carpentier . 
 
 A ditto, by ditto. 
 
 A ditto, - by 
 
 A ditto, - - by 
 
 A Crucifix, ~ by Rottenhammer . 
 
 The Lafi: Supper, by one of the School of Rubens. 
 
 A Pencil Likenefs, by Mr. Huffey . 
 
 A ditto of the Chevalier St. George, by ditto. 
 
 In the STRIPED TOWER . 
 
 A Family Portrait. 
 
 In the GREEN TOWER . 
 
 A Landfcape and Horfe^ by De Bruyne . 
 
 The 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 8-7 
 
 The Caftle is to be feen every Wednefday, from 
 ten o’elock to two. The Road is to the right 
 hand through Weymouth Turnpike* Sutton, Pref- 
 ton, and Poxwell, by Warmwell, the Se^t of 
 John Richards, Efq. where you turn fhort to the 
 right through Winfrith to Weft Lulworth, where 
 there are two public houfes, the Red Lion and 
 the Lulworth Cove ; at either of which tolerable 
 Accommodation may be met with. 
 
 The Caftle is two miles Eaftward of Weft Lul- 
 worth ; and on the foot path between this place 
 and Lulworth Cove is a moft delightful view of 
 St. Alban's Head , over the rocks on the South Eaft 
 of Warbarrow Bay, and alfo over Weft Lulworth, 
 almoft the whole length of Portland Illand. 
 
 About a mile fouth of this Caftle, on the top 
 of a very high hill, is a Fortification, furrounded 
 by three rampants and ditches. Its area about five 
 acres. The country people call it Flozvers Barrow . 
 
 A very fine ride from this place to Corfe Caftle, 
 diftant about twenty-fix miles ; fuppofed to have 
 been built by King Edgar, who fent for workmen 
 out of Italy, and was in all probability the Foun- 
 der of this once noble ftrudrure ; now one of the 
 fineft ruins in Europe, confidering the extent of 
 ground on which it ftands. It is about half a 
 mile in circumference, its form oval, and trmft 
 have been one of the moft impregnable fortifies 
 at that time in this kingdom. 
 
 F 4 
 
88 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 The fituation and ftrength of this fortrefs ren- 
 dered ‘ it of great importance. Here King John 
 kept the Regalia of the Crown, and it was the 
 place of confinement for perfons of the higheft 
 rank, particularly of King Edward II. 
 
 It is feparated from the town of Corfe by a 
 very deep ditch, now dry. Over this is a {lately 
 bridge of four high arches. 
 
 Palling the fecond bridge, of one arch, is a 
 mofi furpriling piece of ruins. The left fide of 
 the gate, with the tower, is feparated from the 
 wall and the reft of the gate, having, as fome 
 imagine, been undermined, in order to demolilh 
 it. Whatever may have been the caufe, the effed, 
 as well as appearance, is wonderful ; it projeds 
 four feet nine inches beyond the fide, and a mafs 
 of twenty-three feet two inches in width. 
 
 This ancient and magnificent fabric (now the 
 property of Mr. Bankes) is reduced to a heap of 
 ruins, and remains a lafting monument of the 
 dreadful effeds of anarchy and rebellion in the 
 rage of civil war. The vaft fragments of what is 
 called the King's Tower, (from its being fuppofed 
 to be the fpot where the cruel murder of Edward, 
 v King of the Weft Saxons, was committed by his 
 mother-in-law Elfrith, or Elfrida;) the round 
 . towers leaning as if ready to fall ; the broken walls 
 and vaft pieces of them tumbled into the vale 
 
 below ; 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 89 
 
 below ; form fuch a fcene of devaftation as muft 
 ftrike every fpedtator with horror. 
 
 At fome diftance is Brownfea, the feat of 
 Humphrey Sturt, Efq. who, at vaft labour and 
 expence, has highly improved a fpot till then the 
 molt rude and uncultivated ; which leads to 
 Swanwich , a place famous for exceeding fine 
 Hone quarries. 
 
 PORTLAND ISLAND, 
 
 AS it is - ' commonly called, is more properly a 
 peninfula ; it receives its name from its fituation* 
 oppofite the Port of Weymouth, from which it is 
 diftant about three miles. The illand is a rock* 
 inacceffible on all fides except the fouth, where it 
 Hopes away from the Light-houfes to a low lhore; 
 from the north, the highelt part of the illand, in 
 clear weather, may be feen half over the Britilh 
 Channel, though it is here of confiderable breadth. 
 Its circumference is about feven mi es, four and a 
 quarter in length, and about two in breadth. The 
 illand is one continued rock of Hone, of which it 
 is faid 9000 tons have been dug annually*. The 
 foil, though lhallow, is fertile, and produces fmall 
 Iheep, the flelh of which is efteemed the molt deii- 
 ) cious 
 
90 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 cious in England. It is almoft deftitute of woodj 
 except on the South ; fo that the inhabitants burn 
 principally ftone coal, and cow dung dried. The 
 grounds are enclofed with dry walls ; good frefli 
 fprings of water are here in plenty ; one breaks 
 out at the foot of the north hill, which foon turns 
 a mill. The inhabitants, about 1300 in number, 
 are a rough, hardy people. They were famous for- 
 merly for flinging ftones. 
 
 This ifland gave title to the Earl of Portland, 
 8 Car. I. and in 1689 William Bentinck, Efq. a 
 native of Holland, was created Baron of Cirencefl 
 ter, Vifcount Woodftock, and Earl of Portland. 
 
 In 982 the Danes landed in three fhips and 
 plundered the ifland. 
 
 In 1142 the Earl of Gloucefter took it from 
 King Stephen, for the Emprefs Maud. 
 
 In 1302 Earl Godwin came from Bruges, in 
 Flanders, with a fleet to invade England ; and 
 failing weftward, alio plundered this ifland. 
 
 In 1404, the French landed here, but were 
 repulfed. 
 
 In 1587 and 1596 the ifland was fortified. 
 Leland gives a particular account of this ifland in 
 his Itinerary, vol. 3, p. 66, 67. 
 
 In the civil wars, 1643, the Parliament very 
 early made themfeives mafters of this ifland and 
 caftle ; but in Auguft, in the fame year, intelli- 
 gence came that the caflle and ifle of Portland, 
 
 (whereof 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 9 i 
 
 (whereof Sir Edward Sydenham, Knt. Marfhal, 
 was Governor) which was taken about the March 
 preceding, was again reduced. 
 
 A gentleman who well knew the cattle, under- 
 took, with the Earl of Carnarvon, to repoflefs it 
 with fixty men, which were granted him. He 
 furnifhed himfelf with the Parliament’s colours, 
 and marching precipitately towards the cattle, as if 
 flying from an enemy, called to the guards, that 
 he had brought fome forces, but was clofely pur- 
 fued by the Earl of Carnarvon, on which the porta 
 were thrown open. By this means they made 
 themfelves matters of a place of very great impor- 
 tance, and of infinite wealth, the rich furniture 
 and treafure taken by the rebels out of Wardour 
 Cattle, being lodged here. 
 
 The firft a&ion between Blake and the Dutch 
 fleet was near Portland, on the 18th of February, 
 1652. 
 
 A little eaft of the feite of the old church is a 
 very ancient cattle in form of an irregular pentagon, 
 full of fmall loop holes. The foundation of this 
 Cattle was much higher than the top of the tower 
 of the church, and mutt have been almoft impreg- 
 nable before the invention of ordnance. It has 
 been commonly called Rufus’s, or the Bow-and- 
 Arrow Cattle, perhaps becaufe it was built by him. 
 
 This cattle has four appertures, fomewhat re- 
 fembling port-holes, opening on two fides towards 
 
 the 
 
9 2 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 the ifland ; and the edifice is eredted on a precipice 
 towards the fea, not lefs than one hundred feet 
 above the furface of the water. The only entrances 
 were by a couple of door-ways on the two fides of 
 one angle of the building, each about five feet and 
 a half high. The walls are feven feet thick, and 
 In its prefent Hate twenty-fix feet high. 
 
 The New Caftle, now remaining, was built by 
 King Henry the Eighth. It ftands at the entrance 
 of the ifiand, oppofite to Sandfoot, or Weymouth 
 Caftle. The Duke of Lauderdale was confined here. 
 
 There are now only eight guns remain mounted, 
 in this Fort, the higher tier being taken away. 
 
 In a light clofet in the Governor's room is this 
 infcription carved on the wainfcot : 
 
 ©ca faae lunge I£>enti tf ie 8, of tfmt name, 
 ana prims Caoara, aegottm of quene 
 Jane, mg iaai s©ari tfiat gooau airgm, 
 ana tbe iaai ©iifabet fo touiataii, tmtfj 
 t | )z funge’g honorable cofeis* • 
 
 Gabriel Steward, Efq. was appointed Governor 
 in 1788. 
 
 Mr. Aubrey, in his Monumenta Britannia, fays, 
 here is a double worked camp, which he judges to 
 be Britilh. 
 
 There are two Light-houfes on the fouth point 
 of the ifland, which till lately were lighted with a 
 
 coal 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 93 
 
 coal fire, the flame of which was increafed by ufing 
 forge bellows; but this mode havin ; been f d 
 inadequate to the purpofe, oil is now ufed with 
 fourteen large patent lamps and reftedtors, fur- 
 rounded by plate glafs *. 
 
 In February, 1665, much lofs was fuflained at 
 the great pier, which was quite demoliftied by the 
 rock fliding into the fea, occafioned by its being 
 overloaded with ftones and rubbifli, the foundation 
 beneath this vaft rock being a bed of clay ; and in 
 December, 1734, 100 or 150 yards of the north 
 eaft end of the ifland alfo funk into the fea, by 
 which both the pier and road were greatly da- 
 maged. The fhock occafioning feveral chafms, 
 between the old pier and the caftle, many large 
 fkeletons were found buried between two huge 
 ftones fet edgeways, with another laid over them. 
 
 * The Elder Brethren of the Trinity Houfc having judged an 
 alteration in the lituation of the two Light-houfes neceffary, are 
 pulling down the fouthermoft, and erecting another at the diftance 
 of 500 yards, in a fouth-eaft direction, for the greater fafety of 
 (hips and veffels in the Channel, and alfo, as a direction for failing 
 in from the Southward, between the dangerous Ihoal called the 
 Shambles , and the Rafe of Portland ; obje&s of the utmoft impor- 
 tance to mariners, and worthy the attention of that refpeftable 
 Corporation. The new Light-houfe is to be elevated 58 feet, 
 exclufive of the lanthorn, by 20 feet diameter. This Light-houfe 
 will command a very lingular opening in the cliff, called Cave 
 Hole , and the fouth points of the ifland, and will be feen over the 
 high ground which fronts the Weft Bay, 
 
 la 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 In the Quarries and on the fhores of this ifland, 
 is an inexhauftible fund qf natural curiofities. 
 
 The ftone dug here, fo famous for its durability 
 as well as beauty, firft came into repute in the reign 
 of James the Firft ; fince which St. Paul’s, Sorrier- 
 fet-Houfe, and almoft. all other publick buildings, 
 are conftrufted with it, Weftminfter Bridge had 
 from hence ftones of three, four, and five tons 
 each: — Black Friars Bridge is alfo from hence ; 
 and what feems extraordinary, the whole ftrata 
 
 ; > s. ' > 1 > 
 
 lies upon a bed of bluilh clay. 
 
 In the Quarries at the north weft corner are 
 found many petrified fhells ; cockle, oyfter, muf- 
 cle, and the turbinated kind, are common ; many 
 of the heart kind, and fome cornua ammonis. 
 
 ' ! - . v . » J 
 
 Spirals or [ferews abound in the free ftone ; fome 
 very large are peculiar to this place, and are 
 efteemed a great curiofity. They are perfectly 
 folid, and form an imaginary axis, equal and 
 regular. 
 
 In the Quarries to the fouth weft is found a 
 ftone called Sugar Candy ftone ; one fort is pale, 
 and another amber colour, formed by an infipid 
 exudation of juices, thus petrified and candied. 
 
 The ftone coal is found in the north weft 
 corner, eaft of the Caftle ; it gives clear light, and 
 
 in all refpefts like theKimeridge Coal. 
 
 Not far from the light-houfes, is a remarkable 
 hole through the earth, wide at the top, but nar- 
 rower 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 9 $ 
 
 rower below, which opens into a large fubterra- 
 neous cavern, 50 by 21 feet fquare, unfupported. 
 Through this aperture, in a fouth eaft wind, and 
 a high tide, the water fills the cave, and will rife 
 above ground like a fpring. From the top may be 
 feen the fea, with which it communicates, and in 
 tempeftuous weather affects the eye and ear with 
 howlings and terrible fenfations. This cavern is fo 
 large, that fmall craft with their fails have been 
 driven into it, and feen through the opening. 
 
 In the well part of this illand are two remarkable 
 caverns, to which no termination has yet been 
 difcovered. 
 
 On the fhore, among the fea weeds, is often 
 found the Ijidis Plocamos , as Pliny defcribes it from 
 Juba ; a fort of ftirub growing in the fea, not un- 
 like coral. It has no leaves, but when cut changes 
 colour, and fo brittle that the leaft fall breaks it. 
 
 The Beach or bank of pebbles thrown up by the 
 fea, which joins to the main land above Abbotf- 
 bury, is what renders Portland a peninfula. This 
 bank runs parallel with the fea for above fixteen 
 miles, and the largeft ftones lye neareft Portland, 
 gradually diminiihing, till at Swyre they are no 
 bigger than peas, or particles of fine gravel. On 
 thefe pebbles, without any feeming nouriftiment, 
 grows much eryngo, as alfo fea or beach kale. 
 
 West-Bay, fo called, is the Bay to the weft 
 of this bank, and is of vaft extent ; — beginning at 
 
 Portland 
 
96 WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 Portland and ending at Torbay. This bay is fatal 
 when ftiips, coming from the Weft, omit to keep 
 a good offing, or are taken ftiort by contrary winds, 
 and cannot weather Portland ; they are driven oil 
 the beach, where they might remain on board in 
 perfeft fafety, but quitting the veflel during the 
 ftorm is fatal. It is obferved, that more Dutch 
 Jhips are loft here than thofe of any other nation ; 
 and not a Winter paffes without one or more 
 wrecks. 
 
 The old Church was dedicated to St. Andrew 
 in 1475, a large but rude fabrick, at the foutheru 
 extremity of the ifland. The tower, eleven feet 
 fquare within, had no bell in it, and was detached 
 near three feet from the body of the church. The 
 church was one hundred and twenty-four feet in 
 length, and only twenty-one wide, with two win- 
 dows to the north and two to the fouth. 
 
 The church-yard is fupported by a battering 
 wall, forty feet high, from whence there is a fine 
 profpedt. 
 
 The new Church, which is fuppofed to ftand 
 nearly in the centre of the ifland, was begun in 
 1754, but was not finiflied till about 1764 ; and 
 in July 1766 was confecrated by Dr. Newton, 
 Biftiop of Briftol, and dedicated to St. George • 
 it coft 3000 1. 
 
 Upon this ifland are two Hotels, much fre- 
 quented during the Bathing Seafon* by company 
 
 from 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 9? 
 
 from Weymouth, where the accommodations ge- 
 nerally give fatisfa&ion. — The firft on the right, 
 as you enter the ifland, is kept by Child ; the 
 Portland- Arms, about half a mile up the hill, near 
 Fortune’s Well, is kept by Gibbs. 
 
 MAIDEN CASTLE. 
 
 ON the left, in the road from Weymouth to 
 Dorchefter, after mounting Ridgeway Hill, is one 
 of the largeft and moft complete Roman Camps in 
 the Weft of England. There is, fays Mr. Coker, 
 a tradition, that it was never loft or won. This 
 Camp was their fummer ftation, or Caftra iEftiva. 
 
 Its extent and ftrength is wonderful, confifting; 
 of a treble ditch and rampart, whereof the inner 
 ones are very deep and high. The form is oval. 
 There are two entrances on the Eaft and Weft, 
 The entrance Weft ward has lix ditches and ram- 
 parts ; that at the Eaft five. The entrances are 
 rendered extremely intricate* About its middle to 
 the Southward the ramparts are low, and almoft 
 difcontinued ; perhaps for the convenience of 
 reforting to the river, which runs at its foot. The 
 Area is divided in the centre by a low ditch, drawn 
 acrofs from North to South ; and on the South 
 fide is the mouth of a cave. 
 
 G 
 
 Learned 
 
9 S WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 Learned inveftigators have traced out the par- 
 ticular ufes of each part of this vaft Area. Weft- 
 ward, facing, the Pr^torium or General's. Tentr, 
 the infantry are fuppofed to have been ftationed, 
 in number not lefs than three legions, from 3 500 
 to 6000 men each legion. Eaflward, behind the 
 Praetorium, the horfe and carriages ; between both 
 the tribunes and other officers. 
 
 Including the ramparts and ditches, this camp 
 does not contain lefs than 120 acres, of which the 
 area makes thirty. 
 
 The Roman Way leading from Dorchefter to 
 Weymouth, pafles near the Eaft fide. The Via 
 Iceniana runs about a mile North of it, whence 
 branches a road that leads to the Weft entrance. 
 
 From hence is a moft delightful profpedt, and a 
 view of Barrows, or Tumuli, fcarce to be equalled 
 in the world ; they reach for many miles on the 
 tops of the hills to the Southward, from Sutton 
 Poyntz to Longbredy. 
 
 In the winter of 1781, fbme of thefe Tumuli, 
 juft above the pariili of Bincombe, were opened 
 in the prefence of his Royal Highnefs the Duke 
 of Gloucefter, Mr. Drax, and feveral other gen- 
 tlemen, when they found an urn, and divers war- 
 like inftruments ; and in the Spring of 1784, by 
 his Grace the Duke of Northumberland; but we 
 have not learnt what difeoveries were then made. 
 
 ABBOTSBURY, 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 99 
 
 ABBOTSBURY, 
 
 I S diflant from Weymouth about eight miles; 
 The beft road is through Portifham. This little 
 market town was anciently famous for its monas- 
 tery, and now for its ruins. The Swannery* and 
 a Decoy, takes its name from the Abbots Town* 
 They depend chiefly on fifhing, but have a cotton 
 flocking manufactory. This place has been un- 
 fortunately burnt down five times within thefe lafl 
 25 years, owing to the buildings being all thatch- 
 ed, which communicated the flames ; the lafl time 
 in Odober, 1784, when twenty-one dwelling- 
 houfes* befides out-houfes, flables, and barns, were 
 confumedi A fubfeription was opened at Wey- 
 mouth by way of affording the poor fufferers fome 
 immediate relief, which was gratefully accepted. 
 
 The Monaflery was built in the very infancy of 
 Chriflianity amcmgfl the Britons. 
 
 The Church belonging to this Convent feems to 
 have Hood a little north of the Abbey, parallel to 
 that and the prefent parifh church. 
 
 St. Catharine’s Chapel Hands about half a 
 xnile fouth well of the town, on a high round hill* 
 called Chapel-Hill. It remains nearly entire, and 
 
 G 2 is 
 
IOO WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 is efteemed a venerable piece of antiquity, ferving 
 both for a fea and land mark ; when or by whom 
 built is not known. 
 
 The Abbey flood a little fouth from the prefent 
 parifli church on a rifing ground, fouthward of 
 the town. 
 
 Weft of the Abbey, under the Chapel-Hill, is 
 a ground of fourteen acres, called the Abbey Gar- 
 den, where the remains of terraees and fifh ponds 
 are ftill to be feen. 
 
 Here is a Free School for twenty poor boys ; at 
 firft endowed with 12I. a year, fince that encreafed 
 to 20 1 . by Mrs. Horner. 
 
 About a quarter of a mile fouth-weft of Abbotf- 
 bury is a large Decoy, well fcreened with wood, 
 where great plenty of wild fowl refort. 
 
 A little weft of the town is a noble Swannery ; 
 at prefent the number is not more than 7 or 800,. 
 which formerly were 1500, or as fome fay, fevem 
 or eight thoufand. 
 
 Vaft quantities of mackrel are caught here, and 
 along this ftiore from Portland to Bridport. They 
 are generally taken from the middle of March, till 
 after Midfummer, in nets or feines, fome of which 
 are from 100 to 120 fathom long, and eight and a 
 half deep in the bofom. — Thirty and forty thou- 
 fand aro frequently caught at a draught ; which 
 fupply the London and Country markets* as well 
 as Weymouth* 
 
 i’ On 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. ior 
 
 On a riling ground near the Beach, the late 
 Earl of Ilchefter built for his Countefs a fummer 
 retirement, called Strangeways Caftle. — It was be- 
 gun in 1765 or 1766, and is in the true gothic ftile. 
 
 Near this place, about two o’clock in the morn- 
 ing, on the 14th of January, 1748, the weather 
 hazy, and no light appearing from the light-houfes 
 on Portland, the Ihip Hope, from Amflerdam, 
 pierced for 30 and mounting 24 guns, ran alhore 
 on the Beach, having on board at leafl fifty thou- 
 fand pounds in fpecie, belides a conliderable quan- 
 tity of gold dufl:, ftaple lilver, fome jewels, and 
 other valuable commodities. When fhe flruck, 
 the malt providentially fell with the fhock, which 
 enabled the crew, 74 in number, to get fafe on 
 ihore. The velfel divided into three parts; the 
 upper deck was thrown upon a ridge of pebbles ; 
 the cabbin, where the treafure moftly lay, was 
 buried in the fand and fea weed ; but the hull 
 never appearing was fuppofed to have rolled back 
 into the fea. 
 
 Near 30,000 1. was recovered to the proprietors, 
 after paying the falvage. This being the richeft 
 ihip ever wrecked on the Weftern coaft, it brought 
 multitudes from all parts both of this and the neigh- 
 bouring counties, in hopes of lharing the plunder. 
 
 G 3 
 
 DOR- 
 
IOZ WEYMOUTH GUIDE, 
 
 DORCHESTER. 
 
 DISTANT from Weymouth about eight miles, 
 is the County Town, where the Affizes are holden, 
 and the Knights of the Shire eledted. The adja- 
 cent country is level and beautiful. It was for- 
 merly computed, that 600,000 fhpep were fed 
 within a circuit of fix miles, and at prefent the 
 number is fuppofed to be confiderably encreafed. 
 The market is held on Saturday. 
 
 The principal Inns are the King*s- Arnjs and the 
 Antelope. 
 
 Dorchefler is famous for its beer, and is encom- 
 pafled by many pleafant walks. 
 
 About a mile on the London Road, to the right, 
 is Kingflon-Houfe, the Seat of — * Pitt, Efq. 
 
 Thirteen miles, from Dorchefler is Piddletowo ; 
 near which the Earl of Orford has a Seat. — The 
 next village is Milborn ; clofe to it on the right is 
 the beautiful Seat of Edmund Morton Pleydell, 
 Efq. A little beyond Milborn, on the left, is 
 
 Whatcomb, the Seat of Blair, Efq. The 
 
 village at the bottom is Whitchurch, — Croffingthe 
 bridge, at the entrance of Blandford, which [is 
 twenty-four miles from Weymouth, you have a 
 
 view of Brianflon, the Seat of Portman, Efq; 
 
 an elegant modern building, in a mofl deferable 
 fjtuation. — Croffing Dorchefler from Weymouth 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 103 
 
 < - 1 
 
 the upper end of the Town, carries you into 
 the Bath Road. — Palling by Poundbury, an ancient 
 Fortification on the left hand, with the river Frome 
 at the bottom. — And about a mile to the left is 
 W olveton, the Seat of the ancient family of the 
 Trenchards, of this county. 
 
 AMPHITHEATRE, near Dorchejier. 
 
 THIS celebrated Monument of Antiquity, the 
 firll difcovery of which was made by Sir Chriftopher 
 Wren, in his journies to the Ifland of Portland, 
 has fince been examined with great attention, and 
 a very accurate account given of it by Dr. Stukeley 
 in his Itinerarium Curiofuin. 
 
 It is fituated on a plain 1500 feet from the walls 
 of Dorchefter, on a gentle afcent, clofe by the 
 Roman road, already mentioned. 
 
 From this Amphitheatre is feen Poundbury , ano- 
 ther ancient Camp Well of Dorcheller ; Maiden 
 Caftle, and the tops of the South Hills, as far as 
 the eye can reach, covered with an incredible 
 number of Celtic Barrows. 
 
 It is raifed of folid chalk, not encompafied by 
 any ditch ; the jambs at the entrance are fomewhat 
 worn away. On the top is a walk of eight feet 
 broad, gradually afcending from the ends, and a 
 terrace of twelve feet broad, and four high, Jmt 
 fomewhat injured by the trampling of men and 
 Jiorfes at the modern executions, which for fame 
 G 4 time 
 
io 4 WEYMOUTH GUIDE, 
 
 time were accuftomed to be here. There are 
 three ways leading up to the terrace, one at the 
 upper end over the Cavea, and one on each fide, 
 Several horfes abreaft may go upon the terrace, 
 afcending by the ruins of the Cavea. The recep T 
 tacle for the gladiators, wild beafts, &c. is fup-_ 
 pofed to have been at the upper end, "under the 
 afcent to the terrace, there being vaults under that 
 part of the body of the work. The area is, no 
 doubt, much elevated by ploughing and manuring 
 for a feries of years, yet it preferves a concavity, 
 for the defcent from the entrance is {till great ; 
 the middle is now near ten feet lower than the 
 level of the field. 
 
 On the outfide of the upper end is a large 
 round hillock, a confiderable diftance beyond the 
 exteriour verge, and regular in figure, which has 
 been fomewhat appertaining to the work. There 
 are two rifing fquare fpots on the {hortefi: diameter, 
 four feet above the level of the terrace, that will 
 each hold twenty-four people ; their fide breadth 
 is fifteen feet, and their length from North to 
 South twenty feet. 
 
 Dr. Stukeley fays, it is computed to confift of 
 an acre of ground, and was originally about 140 
 feet the fhortefi: diameter, and 220 the longeft. 
 
 The famous Amphitheatre at Verona, is but 
 223 feet by 136, and the vafi: Colifeum at Rome 
 but 263 by 165, reckoned by the French meafure. 
 
 The breadth of the fide-work, or folid, taken 
 
 upon 
 
WEYMOUTH GUIDE. 
 
 10$ 
 
 upon the ground plot, is equal to one half the 
 longeft diameter of the area,, or a fourth of the 
 whole longed: diameter. Its perpendicular altitude 
 from the top of the terrace to the bottom of the 
 area, is a fourth of the longed diameter of the 
 area. In the middles of each fide are a number 
 of feats thirty feet broad, juft over the more ele- 
 vated part of the circular work. Dr. Stukeley 
 computes it capable of containing 12,960 perfons* 
 At an execution here in March, 1705, there were 
 fuppofed.to be ten thoufand fpecftators prefent. 
 
 Some years ago a coin was ploughed up here, 
 with this infcription: — — IMP. M. JVL, PHD 
 LIPPUS, AUG. Reverfe, LAETIT. FUN* 
 DAT. — This Emperor reigned A. D. 240. 
 
 u p w A Y 
 
 IS four miles from Weymouth, on the left of 
 the Road to Dorchefter, and takes the name of 
 JVay from the little river that rifes here at the foot 
 of a deep hill, near the Church. 
 
 The capital Manfion of the Manor of IVaybayoufe 
 {lands at the moft Wefterly part of this delightful 
 little village, and was formerly the relidence of 
 the Goulds. 
 
 About the middle of it is the feat of George 
 Gould, Efq. On the left hand entering the village 
 
 from 
 
io6 WEYMOUTH GUIDE* 
 
 from Weymouth is the feat of the late Warren 
 Lifle, Efq. and facing the road a handfome ftone 
 houfe, the property of John Smith, Efq. 
 
 Through this villa is an excellent turnpike road 
 St* Martin’s Town, Winterbourn, Bridport, Lyme, 
 and fo op to Exeter, and the Weft of England. 
 
 It is a pleafant ride round from Upway, through 
 Chickerell, to Weymouth. 
 
 NOTTINGTON WATER. 
 
 A Famous medicinal fpring, about tw r o miles and 
 a half out of Weymouth, in the road to Upway. 
 
 RufTel on Mineral Waters, p. 308, fays, The 
 Water has a ftrong fulphureous fmell, with a 
 flavour refembling that of fpoiit eggs. At the 
 fountain head a lhilling put into the water becomes 
 of a gold colour in two or three minutes ; but the 
 folution of filver produces a yellow and dniky 
 brown cloud, with a dark £rown grumous fedi- 
 ment. From the various experiments that have 
 been made, it appears that the predominant mine- 
 rals with which this water is impregnated, are 
 fulphur and natron, and it is rerparkable for curing 
 foulneftes of the fkin by internal ufe.” 
 
 Dr. Crane, an eminent Phyfician of Dorchefter, 
 has juft publiihed a Treatife on the Medicinal Vir- 
 tues of this Water, to wdiich we have already re* 
 ferred the reader, page 45. 
 
 SEAT§ 
 
SEATS of NOBLEMEN apd GENTLEMEN, 
 
 In the County of DORSET, 
 
 With their refpe&ive Diftances from Weymouth- 
 
 Names. Places. Miles* 
 
 Earl of Shaftettmry, 
 
 Wimbou;:ne, St. Giles’s, 
 
 34 
 
 Earl of Ilchetter, 
 
 Melbury, 
 
 ZO 
 
 Lady Ilchetter, 
 
 Abbotfbury, — 
 
 8 
 
 Earl of Orford, 
 
 Piddletown, — 
 
 J 3 
 
 Lord Milton, 
 
 Milton Abbey, — 
 
 19 
 
 Lord Digby, 
 
 Shirborne Cattle, 
 
 26 
 
 Lord Rivers, 
 
 Rulhmoor Lodge, 
 
 26 
 
 Sir James Long, 
 
 Admifton, — 
 
 14 
 
 Sir William Oglander, Bemifter, - — ■■ 
 
 2 5 
 
 Sir William Hanham, 
 
 Winborn, — 
 
 3° 
 
 Sir John Smith, 
 
 Sydling, — — 
 
 18 
 
 Mr. Weld, 
 
 Lulworth Rattle, 
 
 16 
 
 Mr. Lionel Darner, 
 
 Came, — — 
 
 7 
 
 Mr. Sturt, 
 
 Brownfea, ~ 
 
 34 
 
 Mr. Gould, 
 
 Up way, — — 
 
 4 
 
 Mrs. Williams, 
 
 Herringftone, — 
 
 6 
 
 Mr. Portman, 
 
 Blandfo'rd, — 
 
 24 
 
 Mr. Pitt, 
 
 Kingtton Houfe, 
 
 10 
 
 Mr. Bulkeley, 
 
 Woolcomb Hall, 
 
 20 
 
 Mr. Drax, 
 
 Charborough, 
 
 2 5 
 
 Mr. Trenchard, 
 
 Wolveton,. — 
 
 10 
 
 Mr. Brown, 
 
 Frampton, — 
 
 14 
 
 Mrs. Frampton, 
 
 Moreton, — > 
 
 1 4 
 
 Mrs. Pitt, 
 
 Encombe, — 
 
 2 7 
 
 Mr. Pleydell, 
 
 Milborp, — - 
 
 16 
 
 Mrs. Cattle, 
 
 Smedmore, 
 
 18 
 
 Mrs. Foy, 
 
 Cattle Hill, -r- 
 
 20 
 
 Mr. Blair, 
 
 Watcombe, — 
 
 20 
 
 Mr. Gundry, 
 
 Dewlilh, — 
 
 14 
 
 Mr. Mitchell, 
 
 Ditto, — — 
 
 14 
 
 Admiral Digby, 
 
 Mintern, — — 
 
 18 
 
 Mr. Charles Sturt, 
 
 Grange, — — 
 
 20 
 
 Mr. Richards, 
 
 Warmwell, — . 
 
 8 
 
 Mr. Bond, 
 
 Grange in Purbeck, 
 
 2 3 
 
( >o8 ) 
 
 Names* 
 
 Mr. Willett, 
 
 Places. 
 
 Merly, — — . 
 
 Milts, 
 
 30 
 
 Mr. Banks, 
 
 Kingfton Hall, — 
 
 28 
 
 Mr. Jekyl, 
 
 Spitfbury, — — 
 
 27 
 
 Rev. Mr. Chafin, 
 
 Chettle Houfe, — 
 
 3° 
 
 Mr. Purling, 
 
 Bradford, — — 
 
 11 
 
 Mr. Yeo, 
 
 Forfton, — — 
 
 12 
 
 Mr. Richards, 
 
 Longbredy, — 
 
 12 
 
 Mr. Bingham, 
 
 Horfey, — . — 
 
 20 
 
 Mr. Churchill, 
 
 Henbury, — — 
 
 26 
 
 Mr. Pickard, fen. 
 
 Blokefworth, — 
 
 20 
 
 Mr. Pickard, jun. 
 
 Warm well, ~ 
 
 8 
 
 Mr. Trenchard, 
 
 Litchett, — — 
 
 25 
 
 Mr. Meech, 
 
 Littlebury, — 
 
 10 
 
 Mjf. Charly, 
 Mr. Thornhill, 
 
 Cliff, — — 
 
 14 
 
 Stalbridge, — 
 
 26 
 
 Mr. Newman, 
 
 Piddle Trenthide, 
 
 12 
 
 Mr. Chapman, 
 
 'Holmeft, — 
 
 21 
 
 Mr. O’Brian, 
 
 Stinsford, — — 
 
 9 
 
 Mr. Floyer, 
 
 Stafford, 
 
 11 
 
 Rev. Mr. England, 
 
 Ditto, — — 
 
 11 
 
 Mr. Drax Grofvenor, Near Blandford, 
 
 Mr. Snow, Mr. Ellis, Mr. Williams, ditto. 
 
 22 
 
 Mr. Cox, 
 
 Piddle Trenthide, 
 
 12 
 
 Mr. Chapman, 
 
 Gunville, — 
 
 26 
 
 Mr. Gould, 
 
 Froome, - 
 
 12 
 
 Mr. Beckford, 
 
 Fonthill, ~ — - 
 
 43 
 
 Mr. Hoare, 
 
 Stour Head, •*— 
 
 40 
 
 Earl of Pembroke, 
 
 Wilton, — — 
 
 48 
 
 Lord Arundell, 
 
 Wardour Caftle, 
 
 38 
 
 Miles 
 
 By Water from Weymouth to London, - 
 
 to Exmouth, 
 to Ufhant, - - 
 
 to Cherburg, - - - 
 
 to Havre de Grace, 
 to Guernfey, - 
 
 26 £ 
 40 
 I70 
 63 
 * 2 3 
 
 63 
 
 Guernfey to Jerfey, - 
 
 21 
 
 Guernfey to Alderney, - 
 
 
 Weymouth to Botany Bay, - ** I2>7 2 9 
 
( 109 ) 
 
 N 
 
 From WEYMOUTH to the Cities and principal 
 Market Towns in Great-Britain. 
 
 Aberdeen 
 
 Miles. 
 
 55 6 
 
 Bofton 
 
 Miles, 
 
 220 
 
 Abergavenny 
 
 1 1 1 
 
 Brecknock 
 
 130 
 
 Aberftwith 
 
 187 
 
 Brentwood 
 
 146 
 
 Abingdon 
 
 97 
 
 Bridgenorth 
 
 1 
 
 Alnwick 
 
 387 
 
 Bridgewater 
 
 54 
 
 Alresford 
 
 75 
 
 Bndport 
 
 17 
 
 Alton 
 
 85 
 
 Brighthelmftone 
 
 122 
 
 Amblefide 
 
 326 
 
 Briftol 
 
 75 
 
 Ambrefbury 
 
 58 
 
 Bromley 
 
 142 
 
 Amerftiam 
 
 122 
 
 Bromfgrove 
 
 r 54 
 
 Andover 
 
 64 
 
 Bruton 
 
 42 
 
 Appleby 
 
 335 
 
 Buckingham 
 
 128 
 
 Arundel 
 
 102 
 
 Builth 
 
 146 
 
 Afhburton 
 
 7 2 
 
 Burford 
 
 IC£ 
 
 Afhby de la Zouch 
 
 177 
 
 Burnham 
 
 256 
 
 Alkrig 
 
 319 
 
 Burroughbridge 
 
 286 
 
 Atherllon; 
 
 165 
 
 Burton upon Trent 
 
 184 
 
 Aulcefter 
 
 142 
 
 Bury 
 
 205 
 
 Axbridge 
 
 67 
 
 Buxton 
 
 236 
 
 Axminfter 
 
 35 
 
 Gaermarthen 
 
 186 
 
 Aylefbury 
 
 121 
 
 Caernarvon 
 
 159 
 
 Abbotfbury 
 
 8 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 182 
 
 Baldock 
 
 *53 
 
 Campden 
 
 123 
 
 Banbury 
 
 128 
 
 Canterbury 
 
 189 
 
 Bangor 
 
 273 
 
 Cardiff 
 
 11$ 
 
 Barnard Caftle 
 
 324 
 
 Cardigan 
 
 192 
 
 Barnefley 
 
 240 
 
 Carlifle 
 
 35 S 
 
 Barnet 
 
 136 
 
 Cheltenham 
 
 121 
 
 Barnftaple 
 
 9 2 
 
 Chelmsford 
 
 158 
 
 Bafingftoke 
 
 81 
 
 Chepftow 
 
 93 
 
 Bath 
 
 65 
 
 Chefter 
 
 220 
 
 Beaumaris 
 
 260 
 
 Chefterfield 
 
 214. 
 
 Bedford 
 
 *57 
 
 Chichefter 
 
 91 
 
 Berwick 
 
 416 
 
 Chippenham 
 
 78 
 
 Beverley 
 
 2 75 
 
 Chipping-Norton 
 
 114. 
 
 BiHingham 
 
 379 
 
 Chrilt-Church 
 
 45 
 
 Birmingham 
 
 *57 
 
 Cirencefter 
 
 97 
 
 Blandford 
 
 24 
 
 Clitherow 
 
 289 
 
 Blythe 
 
 236 
 
 Cockermouth 
 
 357 
 
 Bedmin 
 
 113 
 
 Colehefter 
 
 180 
 
 j. 
 
 
 Coldftream 
 
Cofdtfreant 
 
 Colnbiobk 
 
 Coventry 
 
 Crew kerne 
 
 Cranbrook 
 
 Cricklades 
 
 Cromer 
 
 Croydon 
 
 Chard 
 
 Cfrarminfter 
 
 Charmouth 
 
 Darking 
 
 Darlington 
 
 Dartford 
 
 Dartmouth 
 
 Daren try 
 
 Deal 
 
 Denbeigh 
 
 Derby 
 
 Devizes 
 
 Doneafter 
 
 Dorchefter 
 
 Dover 
 
 Droitwich 
 
 Dudley 
 
 Dulverton 
 
 Dumfries 
 
 Dunmow 
 
 Danftable 
 
 Durham 
 
 Durfley 
 
 Eafingwould 
 
 Ecclefhall 
 
 Edinburgh 
 
 Ely 
 
 £pping 
 
 Epfom 
 
 Eveftiam 
 
 Exeter 
 
 Falmouth 
 
 Farnham 
 
 Farringdon 
 
 Flint 
 
 Foway 
 
 Froome 
 
 Gainlhorougb 
 
 Miles. 
 
 
 Mifetf# 
 
 4 l 3 
 
 Gi fborough 
 
 3 2 5 
 
 i ii 
 
 Glafgow 
 
 477 
 
 1 53 
 
 Gloucefter 
 
 Grantham 
 
 1 1 1 
 
 28 
 
 203 
 
 162 
 
 Gravefend 
 
 156 
 
 96 
 
 Grimlhy 
 
 260 
 
 262 
 
 Grimftead 
 
 13 A 
 
 128 
 
 Guildford 
 
 IOC 
 
 36 
 
 Halftead 
 
 J 
 
 1QO 
 
 1 1 
 
 Halifax 
 
 7 
 
 264 
 
 24 
 
 Harborough 
 
 270 
 
 231 
 
 m y 
 
 Harleigh 
 
 320 
 
 Harrowgate 
 
 302 
 
 156 
 
 Hartlepool 
 
 337 
 
 84 
 
 Harwich 
 
 201 
 
 *43 
 
 Haflemere 
 
 8t. 
 
 1 207 
 
 Haftings 
 
 156 
 
 *37 
 
 Haverfordwell 
 
 200 
 
 189 
 
 Hay 
 
 138 
 
 66 
 
 Haylfham 
 
 141 
 
 249 
 
 Helftone 
 
 150 
 
 8 
 
 Henley on Thames 
 
 103 
 
 204 
 
 Hereford 
 
 12 c 
 
 144 
 
 Hertford 
 
 152 
 
 168 
 
 Hexham 
 
 36c 
 
 60 
 
 Hy the (Kent) 
 
 *86 
 
 400 
 
 Holyhead 
 
 284 
 
 170 
 
 Holywell 
 
 *35 
 
 *37 
 
 Honiton 
 
 38 
 
 339 
 
 Horfham 
 
 1 16 
 
 93 
 
 Hounflow 
 
 117 
 
 299 
 
 Hull 
 
 2 66 
 
 185 
 
 Hungerford 
 
 76 
 
 450 
 
 Huntingdon 
 
 179 
 
 199 
 
 Inverness 
 
 600 
 
 148 
 
 Ilchefter 
 
 34 
 
 120 
 
 Ipfwich 
 
 198 
 
 **5 
 
 Wellington 
 
 91 
 
 S 3 
 H 3 
 
 Kendal 
 
 3i3 
 
 Kiddermmflex 
 
 *51 
 
 94 
 
 Kingfton 
 
 122 
 
 96 
 
 Knarelborough 
 
 2 75 
 
 231 
 
 Lancafter 
 
 289 
 
 120 
 
 LandaiF 
 
 iif 
 
 54 
 
 Launcefton 
 
 95 
 
 241 
 
 Leeds 
 
 
Leek 
 
 Miles. 
 
 213 
 
 Northampton 
 
 Miles. 
 
 152 
 
 Leicefter 
 
 180 
 
 Norwich 
 
 238 
 
 Leominfter 
 
 140 
 
 Nottington 
 
 20 * 
 
 Lelkard 
 
 IOI 
 
 Okeham 
 
 l8o 
 
 Lewes 
 
 130 
 
 Okehampton 
 
 7 £ 
 
 Litchfield 
 
 173 
 
 Orford 
 
 217 
 
 Lime 
 
 26 
 
 Oundle 
 
 170 
 
 Lincoln 
 
 22* 
 
 Oxford (by Andover) 
 
 I °3 
 
 Liverpool 
 
 2*6 
 
 Padftow 
 
 12* 
 
 Llanbeder 
 
 164 
 
 Parkgate 
 
 232 
 
 Llanymddovry 
 
 *49 
 
 Pembroke 
 
 200 
 
 London, Hy depark- corner, 130 
 
 Penrith 
 
 339 
 
 Loughborough 
 
 191 
 
 Penryn 
 
 142 
 
 Louth 
 
 253 
 
 Penzance 
 
 1 56 
 
 Loweftoffe 
 
 248 
 
 Perth 
 
 488 
 
 Ludlow 
 
 * 5 * 
 
 Perlhore 
 
 * 3 ? 
 
 Lymingtoa 
 
 54 
 
 Peterborough 
 
 182 
 
 Lynn 
 
 228 
 
 Petersfield 
 
 86 
 
 Macclesfield 
 
 225 
 
 Plymouth 
 
 96 
 
 Maidftone 
 
 162 
 
 Pontefratt 
 
 2*8 
 
 Maldon 
 
 168 
 
 Poole 
 
 3<5 
 
 Malmlbury 
 
 87 
 
 Port Patrick 
 
 482 
 
 Malton 
 
 305 
 
 Portfmouth 
 
 Sf 
 
 Manchefter 
 
 258 
 
 Prellon 
 
 267 
 
 Mansfield 
 
 216 
 
 Queenborough* 
 
 *77 
 
 Margate 
 
 205 
 
 Radnor 
 
 *53 
 
 Market Raifin 
 
 242 
 
 Ravenglafs 
 
 3*9 
 
 Marlborough 
 
 74 
 
 Reading 
 
 96 
 
 Melton Mowbray 
 
 190 
 
 Richmond (York) 
 
 3 *« 
 
 Midhurft 
 
 97 
 
 Richmond (Surry) 
 
 128 
 
 Minehead 
 
 74 
 
 Ringwood 
 
 50 
 
 Monmouth 
 
 i °7 
 
 Rippon 
 
 28* 
 
 Montgomery 
 
 168 
 
 Rochdale 
 
 27 1 
 
 Morpeth 
 
 368 
 
 Rochefter 
 
 163 
 
 Namptwich 
 
 210 
 
 Rofs 
 
 1 1.8 
 
 Newark 
 
 222 
 
 Royfton 
 
 1 61 
 
 Newbury 
 
 80 
 
 Rumford 
 
 142 
 
 Newcaftle upon Tyne 
 
 353 
 
 Rye 
 
 167 
 
 Newcaltle under Lyne 
 
 204 
 
 St. Alban's 
 
 <3* 
 
 Newent 
 
 121 
 
 St. Afaph 
 St. David's 
 
 246 
 
 Newmarket 
 
 191 
 
 224 
 
 Newport (I. W.) 
 
 70 
 
 Salilbury 
 
 47 
 
 Newport (Monmouth.) 
 
 106 
 
 Sandwich 
 
 207 
 
 Newport (Pembroke) 
 
 203 
 
 Scarborough 
 
 3*JT 
 
 Newport Pagnel 
 
 142 
 
 Settle 
 
 3 °3 
 
 Northallerton 
 
 306 
 
 Sevcnoaks 
 
 142 
 
 
 Sbafteibuiy* 
 
C tn ) 
 
 &hafte{Bui|r 
 
 Wiles. 
 
 37 
 
 Trowbridge 
 
 Mile;. 
 
 64 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 226 
 
 Truro 
 
 *32 
 
 Sherborne 
 
 27 
 
 Tunbridge Wells 
 
 146 
 
 Shoreham 
 
 IijT 
 
 Ulverfton 
 
 3 12 
 
 Somerton 
 
 42 
 
 Utoxeter 
 
 190 
 
 Shrewfbury 
 
 180 
 
 Uxbridge 
 
 120 
 
 Skipton 
 
 287 
 
 Wakefield 
 
 250 
 
 Sleaford 
 
 201 
 
 Walfingham 
 
 246 
 
 Southampton 
 
 60 
 
 Wareham 
 
 18 
 
 Southwold 
 
 233 
 
 Warminfter 
 
 59 
 
 Spalding 
 
 20C 
 
 Warrington 
 
 238 
 
 Stafford 
 
 178 
 
 Warwick 
 
 146 
 
 Stains 
 
 IIO 
 
 Watford 
 
 131 
 
 Stamford 
 
 181 
 
 Weobly 
 
 136 
 
 Stilton 
 
 187 
 
 Willingborough 
 
 152 
 
 Sterling 
 
 486 
 
 Willington (Shropffiire) 
 
 179 
 
 Stockbridge 
 
 60 
 
 Willington (Somerfet) 
 
 43 
 
 Stockton 
 
 327 
 
 Weils 
 
 5 ^ 
 
 Storford Bilhops 
 
 161 
 
 Whitby 
 
 336 
 
 Stow Market 
 
 20 c 
 
 Whitchurch 
 
 200 
 
 Stratford upon Avon 
 
 *37 
 
 Whitehaven 
 
 35 6 
 
 Sudbury 
 
 184 
 
 Wycombe 
 
 1 14 
 
 Sunderland 
 
 35 2 
 
 Wigan 
 
 2Ci 
 
 S waff ham 
 
 224 
 
 Wimbome 
 
 30 
 
 Swanfea 
 
 157 
 
 Winchefter 
 
 68 
 
 Tadcafter 
 
 276 
 
 Windham 
 
 220 
 
 Tamworth 
 
 1 73 
 
 Windfor 
 
 H 3 
 
 Taviftock 
 
 86 
 
 Wolfingham 
 
 340 
 
 Taunton 
 
 47 
 
 Wolverhampton 
 
 *75 
 
 Tewkffiury 
 
 122 
 
 Woodbridge 
 
 205 
 
 Thackftead 
 
 174 
 
 Woodllock 
 
 1 23 
 
 Thetford 
 
 209 
 
 Wooler 
 
 401 
 
 Thirlk 
 
 297 
 
 Wootton Baffet 
 
 87 
 
 Tinmouth 
 
 361 
 
 Worcefter 
 
 *37 
 
 Tiverton 
 
 5 6 
 
 Wrexham 
 
 21 I 
 
 MDrrington 
 
 86 
 
 Yarmouth 
 
 2 52 
 
 Towceftci 
 
 1 39 
 
 York 
 
 287 
 
 \ ■ m 
 
 T 
 
 H E 
 
 E N D. 
 
 
 1 
 
 
I 
 
i*- 
 
 
 # 
 
 C t A L_ 
 
 <*T'S 
 
 &15 ? 
 
 n 
 
 i , j J 
 
 i • ia n : 
 
 1Z-3Z634 
 
 ®* fi OTi' C£NT£fi 
 UBMfiir 
 
 OO 
 
vfSBl 
 
 Us 
 
 mm 
 $3 A 
 
 ta 
 
 
 m 
 
 m