*WEYMOUTH, (Dorset) 104 cm. 132 mm. from London, on the r. Wey, which falling here into the sea, divides this T. from Melcombe-Regis. Leland says, the passage from one to the other was by a ferry-boat, managed not with oars, but a rope carried over the haven; and that Melcombe had a mayor and a Mt. in his time. Weymouth is a clean, agreeable T. considering its low situation so near the sea. Some of the inh. go to Radipole Ch. near Melcombe, others to Wyke-Regis, the mother-Ch. a noted land and sea-mark, where they bury their dead. Here is a custom-house, and a good quay. The merchants drove a considerable trade formerly from this port to France, Spain, Portugal, and the West-Indies; but it has since varied its channel, and the high duties on French goods have spoiled it in this, and all other ports on the S. coast of England; where, however, a very bad one prevails, which is a clandestine one, and carried on at the expence of the K. and the fair merchant. The Newfoundland trade notwithstanding thrives here, and 20 ships are fitted out for it in some seasons. The wine trade here is also considerable. And they have a large correspondence up in the country, for the consumption of their returns. This place first sent members to Pt. the 12th of Edward II. after which, till united with Melcombe, it made but one return, viz. the 19th of Edward II. It gives title of Visc. to the family of Thynne at Longleat in Wiltshire. This T. with Wyke, and the Isle of Portland, was given by Edward the Confessor to the Ch. of Winchester; but it afterwards came to the crown. It had in the memory of man a chapel, which stood on a hill so steep, that the ascent up to it was by 60 steps, and overlooked the T. and haven; but the rebels, in 1641, converted it into a fort, from which they battered Melcombe- Regis, and having reduced it, they demolished the chapel, and sold the stones, as the ancient inh. report. For the rest, see Melcombe-Regis.