AN INTRIGUING A-Z of Weymouth’s history has been compiled by historian Maureen Attwooll.

The Second Bumper Book of Weymouth is a fascinating, alphabetical journey through the town’s history and geography, containing more than 1,000 entries and 150 illustrations.

From Abbots Court – a mansion in extensive grounds at the top of Radipole Lane – to Yxpila, which was ‘one of the graceful timber ships which were a familiar sight in Weymouth harbour in the first half of the 20th century’, the Second Bumper Book is a treasure trove of interesting facts about the borough.

It complements The Bumper Book Of Weymouth, which Maureen also wrote and which was published three years ago.

Maureen said: “When I did the first Bumper Book I had some stuff left over so the publisher suggested I did a second book. Now I’ve done that I think there may still be enough for a third book.

“History is happening all the time around us. Things like the day Weymouth Post Office suddenly closed. That doesn’t happen very often and it could be something that goes down in history.”

The Second Bumper Book Of Weymouth contains details of events, both major and minor, that have happened in the past and make Weymouth the town it is today. Did you know, for example, that the Crown Inn is the former name of the Smugglers Inn at Osmington Mills, which was also known as the Picnic Inn? Or that Frederick Neebe was the manager of the Theatre Royal in St Nicholas Street in 1970?

The book is as much a labour of love as it is an encyclopaedia of Weymouth’s history.

“I love Weymouth and cannot say it enough,” said Maureen, who has lived in the resort on and off since she was 10.

“We came from a London suburb and when we got here I thought the place was absolutely magical for me. Now I cannot bear to be away from the sea.”

She added: “It is a beautiful place with a wonderful history and is a great place to live. My favourite place is the Fleet and Little Fleet Church. I love the way you are near to a main road yet you could be anywhere.”

The Second Bumper Book Of Weymouth, by Maureen Attwooll, costs £19.99 and is available from WH Smiths in St Thomas Street, Weymouth.