The fascinating story of paddle steamers coming to Portland can be heard this week.

Local historian Brian Jackson has been invited to talk on the subject in an event supporting Portland Museum.

He will explain how a service introduced between Weymouth and Portland in 1848 took off, thanks in part due to crowds wanting to witness the construction of a great Victorian engineering project – the Portland Breakwater. The harbour refuge was constructed for the newly-arrived Royal Navy and it became a big tourist attraction.

Giving an insight into the story Mr Jackson said: “One hundred and seventy years ago this July the first recorded sailings of a regular steam boat service commenced with four daily return sailings between Weymouth and Portland when Captain Cosens hired the paddle steamer Highland Maid.

“The commencement of the construction of the breakwater, the mediocre roads of the period and lack of a railway ensured the venture was a success, and in December a second vessel was added.

“Cosens also found work involving the breakwater lucrative, and added to this the excursion trade began to develop.

“During 1851 a rival concern, The Weymouth & Portland Steam Packet Company, was formed and placed the paddle steamer, Contractor, on the ferry service.

“The arrival of the Great Eastern in 1852 following her boiler explosion caused great interest and in those pre health and safety days vast numbers of visitors were taken to visit the stricken vessel. This resulted in a further competitor when a local solicitor purchased the paddle steamer Premier to visit Great Eastern.

“These events proved that the excursion trade was the way forward with excursions along the Dorset, Hampshire and Devon coast becoming established and the arrival of the railway at Weymouth in 1857 greatly adding to the summer visitors.”

Find out more when Mr Jackson gives an illustrated talk this Thursday in Girt Hall, St George’s Centre, Reforne, Portland at 7pm.

Admission £5 including refreshments and free raffle.