Which area is the most most historically important – Weymouth, Melcombe Regis or Portland?

That's the question being asked at a heritage event this weekend.

The Weymouth and Portland Heritage Group is hosting a History Weekend at the Old Town Hall in Weymouth which will finish with a debate at 2.30pm on Sunday considering whether Weymouth, Melcombe Regis or Portland is the most historically important.

Local author Claire Whiles will argue the case for Weymouth. Claire has lived in Weymouth since she was a teenager and is involved in the “Dig the Street” group which is pressing for an archaeological investigation of the North Quay site.

Former councillor James Farquharson will speak on behalf of Melcombe Regis. James was born in the town, lives in Melcombe Regis and has long been a staunch advocate of protecting the town’s historic buildings.

Paul Atterbury, who lives locally and is known for his involvement with the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow will represent Portland. Paul and his wife both have a long association with Portland and he is passionate about the island.

Graham Perry who will chair the debate on behalf of the Heritage Group said: “I expect the debate to be lively and entertaining and hope that it will inspire the audience to find out more about the wonderful heritage that surrounds us, but which we sometimes take for granted."

The weekend events will start at 11am on Saturday, October 12 with Crabchurch re-enactor Mark Hobden presenting the story of the Royalist surgeon Richard Wiseman. At 2.30pm on Saturday Jeff Proctor will give a talk about the historic St George’s Church on Portland.

All the events are free but tickets are available on Eventbrite for those who wish to be sure of a place.

The weekend is part of the Weymouth and Portland Heritage Group’s “Uniting Weymouth and Portland Heritage” project. The project has already produced a new leaflet, video and website (wpheritage.co.uk) to help promote local heritage sites in the area.

Funding for the project has been provided by the South West Museum Development Programmes with match funding provided by Weymouth BID.