Relics found at sea

A pair of half-arch sections carved from the island's famous rock were discovered amid the remains of what is thought to be an 18th century sailing vessel lying at the bottom of the sea in Weymouth Bay.

The discoverers, local divers Ron Howse, David Carter and Jim Walmsley, said the pieces appear to have been on a cargo vessel and could have been heading for use in one of London's famous buildings.

Destination

They are hoping to decipher stone mason markings on the arches to work out their exact destination and age.

Portland stone has been used for the construction of major structures in the capital since the mid-1600s, notably for Banqueting House and St Paul's Cathedral.

The arch sections, which measure three feet by two feet and weigh an estimated 800 pounds each, were raised from the sea bed by floating them to the surface with giant air bags.

They are due to be lifted out of Weymouth harbour using a crane, and could be stored in Weymouth museum for examination. Mr Howse, who lives at Redcliffe View in Weymouth, said: "The only thing visible was the stone cargo and an anchor.

"There are other stone pieces down there.

"Our aim is to find out what type of vessel she is and how she was built.

"We also want to find out where the cargo was heading for - it's possible she may have been destined for a famous building in London.

"The scope for research alone is very exciting."

He added: "By bringing the arch sections in it's possible we may find markings carved by the stonemason. They may identify the customer the cargo was intended for."

Weymouth-based underwater archaeologist Graham Knott helped lift the arches out.

He said: "They are in a remarkable condition bearing in mind how old they are.

"A lot of work is needed to work out what they were intended for, but it will

be very interesting to find out."

A spokesman for Weymouth Museum said the arches would need to be cleaned properly before being assessed.