THANKS to Looking Back reader Geoff Pritchard for some more pictures looking at the Weymouth of yesteryear.

The first picture shows Coombe Valley Road looking out towards Portland in 1959.

Geoff said: “The rural aspect is very much in evidence, before the development of the land to the east.”

This land is now covered with houses, many of whom enjoy a sea view from the scenic spot.

The second photo shows a bustling Weymouth Esplanade, taken around 1952.

This picture was taken from the Royal Hotel.

Geoff said: “An interesting collection of seaside ‘attractions’ clutter up the forecourt, some of which do not appear to be the ones usually associated with seaside holidays. The cars endorse Henry Ford’s quotation ‘you can have any colour as long as it’s black’ and they would be a classic car enthusiast’s dream.

“The clothing of the male holidaymakers predates designer leisure gear as men in suits, hats and sports jackets pass by, with a little informality except the absence of ties on a hot day.”

Geoff said that on the right hand edge of the picture is a sign for Channons, the Morris and Wolseley agent, which had a showroom on the seafront until the mid 1960s.

In the background, one of the unique Leyland 6 wheeler buses specially supplied for the Portland Tophill route waits at the King’s Statue bus stop, then in the middle of the Esplanade.

These were ordered in 1937 because it was thought too dangerous for double decker buses to travel to Easton, negotiating the exposed hairpin bend at Priory Corner.

To the left is the predecessor of the much-missed Tourist Information Centre.

The third and final picture shows Custom Quay at Weymouth harbourside in 1961.

On a winter’s day a freight train passes the cargo stage, hauled by former Great Western Railway pannier tank 1367, designed for working in areas with tight radius curves.

Geoff said: “All six locomotives of this class worked on the tramway at some time between 1935 and 1962. In the background one of the recently introduced Channel Islands vessels Caesarea or Sarnia is at the passenger berth.

“The cranes are testimony to the busy cargo trade once handled in the port.”

Thanks to Geoff for these fascinating snapshots.

n If you have some old pictures of the local area you would like to share with Looking Back readers, contact Joanna Davis here at the Dorset Echo.