*MELCOMB-REGIS, (Dorset) 106 cm. 132 mm, from London, at the mouth of the r. Wey, by which it is passed from Weymouth, appears, from the name, to have been anciently the K's demesne, and, from the records, to have paid quit-rent to the crown all along after K. Edward I. till it was bought off by the inh. before they united to Weymouth. It sent members to Pt. in the R. of K. Edw. I. before Weymouth had that privilege. It bel. then to the abbey of Cerne, was afterwards part of his Q's dowry, and so flourished in the R. of Edw. III. that it was by Pt. appointed a staple; but in the next R. the French burnt it, and it was thereby rendered so desolate a place, that the remaining inh. prayed, and obtained, a discharge from customs. On account of its quarrels with Weymouth in the R. of Hen. VI. its privileges, as a port, were removed to Pool; but in that of Q. Eliz. they were restored to it by act of Pt. which was confirmed in the next R. on condition that Melcomb and Weymouth should make but one corp. and enjoy their privileges in common; and to this was owing the flourishing state of both. In the 2 Rs. last-mentioned, a wooden-bridge, with 17 arches, was built from hence to Weymouth, to which, as well as to its Ch. the chief contributors were certain citizens of London; and upon its decay, it was rebuilt, some years ago, at the expence of their representatives, Sir Tho. Hardy, Will. Harvey, John Ward, and Reginald Marriot. Here is a good Mt.-place, and T.-hall, to which the members of the corp. of Weymouth come to attend publick business, as the inh. in general do to its Ch. for publick worship. The port, which generally goes by the name of Weymouth, is said to be the best frequented in the Co. and is defended by Sandfort and Portland castles, built by Hen. VIII. The Mts. for both Ts. are Tu. and F. the Fairs June 16, 17, and 18. This is reckoned bigger, more thriving and populous than Weymouth. They are both but one corp. and Bor. consisting of a mayor, recorder, 2 bailiffs, an uncertain number of ald. and 24 capital burgesses. Whoever has been a mayor, is ever after an ald. They send 4 burgesses to Pt. that are elected by such as have freeholds, whether they inhabit here, or not; and the number of voters is near 700. Every elector, as in London, has the privilege of voting for four persons; who, when chosen, are returned in two distinct indentures, as the burgesses of Weymouth, and the burgesses of Melcomb-Regis.