A HERITAGE trail has been created showcasing key historical landmarks - as the 450th anniversary of Weymouth officially being merged with Melcombe Regis is celebrated.
Weymouth BID, also known as We Are Weymouth, has installed six custom designed paving slabs throughout the town as part of the Heritage Trail - a walking route exploring the history of the town.
The slabs have been designed by Ned Heywood of Heritage Ceramics, a supplier of natural floor stones, using artwork provided by Weymouth Museum.
As part of the Heritage Trail, the slabs offer facts about the historical landmarks in the town and help to showcase Weymouth's rich and varied history.
Dawn Rondeau, chief operations officer at Weymouth BID, said: "We are lucky to have such rich heritage in Weymouth which includes a range of attractions and historical buildings; a draw for both locals and visitors to the area.
"We are proud to have installed the slabs as part of an initiative focused on improving Weymouth. Installing these heritage slabs provides a long-term legacy for the town, celebrating some of its outstanding historical buildings."
The six paving slabs can be found at the following locations:
n The Tudor House: Two cottages built in the early 1600s and restored in 1961 as a late Tudor townhouse which now contains a small museum.
n Holy Trinity Church: Built 1834-36 of Portland stone. Extended by Crickmays in the 1880s when the Chapelhay Steps were built.
n Old Town Hall: Originally three Tudor cottages but substantially rebuilt in 1774 and 1896. Now a venue for community events.
n Ralph Allen’s House: The summer residence from 1750-63 of the Bath stone entrepreneur credited with making Weymouth fashionable.
n St Mary’s Church: Built in 1817, this church with its simple cupola contains Sir James Thornhill’s splendid painting of 'The Last Supper'.
n The Custom House: Built as a merchant’s house in 1800 and bearing the Royal Arms over its doorway from its later use as the Custom House.
This year, Weymouth celebrates 450 years since it merged with the borough of Melcombe Regis and became the Weymouth we know today.
A spokesman for Weymouth BID said: "Weymouth has played a part in key historical events from the Black Death to the D-Day Landings. This rich history draws visitors to Weymouth from near and far, and the heritage slabs are a fantastic way to commemorate the town's incredible past."
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