Weymouth harbour Postcard

Weymouth’s harbour has two main parts in addition to the ferry terminal. Custom House Quay is on the Melcombe Regis side of the river estuary and the Old Harbour is on the Weymouth side. The two harbours were often opposed over trading rights until they were officially united by Royal charter in the reign of Elizabeth I. The Borough of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis was formed in 1571. An original bridge, linking the ports of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, was built in 1597 but the present bridge dates from 1930. It is a drawbridge which opens every two hours intervals to allow ships to pass through. Nothe Fort, the Museum of Coastal Defence, lies at the end of the Quay. This fort was built in 1860 as part of the defence of Portland Harbour. Between the Fort and Quay are Nothe Gardens, from which there are excellent views of nearby Portland.