Weymouth was originally a fishing village, and received a charter as a port in 1252. In the 17th century it enjoyed a thriving trade with America. At that time it was actually two towns - Melcombe Regis on the East of the Harbour, and Wyke Regis to the West. More recently, Weymouth's name has spread as a major seaside resort. King George III spent his summers in the town (and became the first English monarch to bathe in the sea in Weymouth). The fine sweep of the Georgian Esplanade looks out over Weymouth Bay and its safe, clean sandy beach. The town has hosted the Cutty Sark International Tall Ships Race three times. The town is a centre for watersports including sailing and diving. The town played a key role in the D-day invasion, and hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops, with their supplies, set off from Weymouth for the Omaha and Utah beaches in Normandy. There are many local attractions including a military museum in the Napoleonic Nothe Fort overlooking the harbour mouth, and a Timewalk showing the town's history. Weymouth Harbour offers a safe and interesting anchorage for yachts travelling the South Coast. The neighbouring Portland Harbour and Island of Portland also offer opportunities for leisure.
|