OVER the next few weeks we're going to be sharing a selection of photos courtesy of reader Bill Macey.

Our first picture is this one of a stone plaque commemorating the Great Gale of 1824 when Weymouth Esplanade was destroyed by a Tempest. This marker can be found by the Esplanade where the Tourist Information Centre used to be sited.

An account of the scene in Melcombe Regis on November 23, 1924, reads: 'The sea broke over the narrows in a strong and dreadful current, two individuals who were at that moment crossing the spot were swept away “and the end of anguish knew,” whole rows of houses that fronted the foaming, raging, billows, were completely inundated; the pride of Melcombe, its beautiful esplanade, was nearly all demolished, the stone posts and chains, (which amount now [1829] to 336 stone posts, and 4620 feet of iron chain,) were rent up and entirely broken, the piers (over which the surges rolled in an awful and sublime manner) also were demolished, vessels, boats, and small craft, were either driven into the centre of the town, sunk, destroyed, or carried out to sea.'

Bill points out: "There was another of these markers recording that the Esplanade was rebuilt in 1825 - that one went missing some years ago, the one shown was moved and hidden in the stonework of one of the flower beds."

Thanks to Bill for this first picture in our series.