Dorset archaeology is in the spotlight as archaeologists behind two major Weymouth excavations share their finds.
Head to County Hall in Dorchester on Wednesday, October 21 from 11am to 2pm for your exclusive chance to view artefacts unearthed at the North Quay and Weymouth Bowl sites.
Historic maps will also be on display during this session.
Discover how people lived and worked in Dorset from medieval times onwards and learn about the history of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.
In addition, a free exhibition is running until October 23 during normal office hours in the foyer of County Hall.
The display features newly uncovered evidence turned up on Dorset Council-owned land as part of regeneration projects in the two locations on opposite sides of Weymouth Harbour.
The discoveries also reveal how communities adapted to changing circumstances over the centuries, including the gradual expansion of development towards the harbour.
Artefacts, photographs and plans will be showcased.
Dorset archaeology and the town’s changing waterfront
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth & Strategic Assets said: “These discoveries show how archaeology can help us better understand Dorset’s history and the communities who lived here before us.
“From medieval settlements to changing waterfronts, the findings provide a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked and shaped the places we know today.
“Regeneration in Weymouth is about creating a stronger future for the town by attracting investment, supporting jobs and businesses, improving key sites and public spaces, while building on the unique heritage, character and coastal assets that make Weymouth such a special place to live, work, study and visit.
“These investigations were funded and supported by Dorset Council, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in Dorset’s heritage to visit the exhibition and discover these stories for themselves.”
Archaeologists from Context One Heritage & Archaeology will be available to discuss the excavations and showcase artefacts uncovered during their investigations.
Richard McConnell, Director, Context One Heritage and Archaeology said: “The North Quay and Weymouth Bowl excavations have revealed how Weymouth and Melcombe Regis developed over the past 700 years.
“Led by Context One for Dorset Council, with local volunteers helping uncover many of the finds on display, the project highlights the value of community archaeology. We are delighted to share these discoveries with visitors at County Hall.”
Excavations at North Quay were undertaken in 2023 at the former council offices site, while findings from the Weymouth Bowl excavation were uncovered earlier this year.
The exhibition, in the foyer of County Hall is free to attend and no booking is required.
History of the North Quay demolition and dig
In 2023, councillors on Dorset Council’s area planning committee voted to demolish the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council offices on North Quay.
The concrete building had housed hundreds of borough council staff from 1974 until 2019, when the new unitary Dorset Council replaced the borough authority.
The council’s plan was to use the land as a temporary car park before developing housing there, with demolition and the car park expected to cost around £600,000.
North Quay was one of three Weymouth sites earmarked for transformation through £19.5m of Government Levelling Up funding, alongside the peninsula and the town centre.
An earlier dig at the site in 2021 uncovered the remains of a medieval house thought to date from between the 12th and 15th centuries.
The area is also believed to have seen fighting during the Battle of Weymouth in 1645, during the Civil War.