Dorset History Guides
Dorset History: Explore Weymouth & Dorset Through the Past
Discover the fascinating history of Weymouth and Dorset, from historic buildings and seaside traditions to remarkable events, people and places that have shaped the county over the years.
Explore our Weymouth and Dorset history guides and discover stories, historic places and fascinating glimpses into the past.
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The Black Death landed on the shores of England on a merchant ship arriving in Weymouth in the year 1348.
The Crabchurch Conspiracy was one of the most famous event of the Civil War to take place in Weymouth.
King George III had a deep affection for Weymouth, a statue, bathing machine and the famous Osmington White Horse are all reminders of his visits to the resort.
Weymouth played a key role in world war II, from sea defences on the beach and the homeguard, the Nothe Fort, little ships crossing the harbour to Dunkirk to loading troops for D-Day.
There are many shipwrecks around Weymouth and the dangerous coast around Portland.
Explore the medieval history of Weymouth Harbour and the Town Bridge, from wool trade and royal service to the early bridge linking Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.
Explore the history of smuggling in Weymouth and Portland. One of the key places for smuggling in Dorset.
Discover Weymouth's role in World War I, from harbour and railway support to home-front life, hospitals, rationing and remembrance.
Explore Weymouth in the 1920s, from elegant seaside holidays and lively entertainment to the demolition of the Royal Baths in 1927 and the town's shift toward modern tourism.
From fishing villages and farming communities to seaside towns and post-war Dorset, childhood has changed remarkably over the generations. This series explores what it was really like growing up in Dorset, uncovering stories of school days, family life, work, adventures and the sights and sounds of a county that, for centuries, changed little before the rapid transformations of the modern age.
Step back in time to discover Christmas in Victorian Weymouth, or find inspiration for enjoying a modern Christmas by the sea, from festive lights and winter walks to Christmas Day traditions.
The Nothe Fort is a victorian fort now a museum of life in Weymouth during world war II.
The Pirates Graveyard at Church Ope Cove on Portland is found high above Church Ope Cove.
Tyneham Ghost Village is a deserted village.
There are plenty of things to do in Weymouth when it rains and lots more things to do around Dorset too.
Did you know that the Black Death arrived in England in 1348 through the port of Weymouth.