a town of England, forming along with the adjacent Melcombe Regis, a parliamentary and municipal borough in Dorsetshire, at the mouth of the Wey, 8 miles S. of Dorchester. The former town stands on the S., and the latter on the N. shore of the narrow outlet of the Backwater, or estuary of the Wey; and they are connected by a handsome stone bridge erected in 1770. Weymouth is an ancient place irregularly and meanly built, and inhabited chiefly by fishermen. The same character belongs partially to Melcombe Regis, especially in the back parts of the town; but as the sea here forms a beautiful bay with fine sand well adapted for bathing, it has attracted many visitors; and for their accommodation several fine ranges of houses have been built, chiefly along a broad terrace called the Esplanade, which faces the sea. The parish church of Melcombe Regis, rebuilt in 1817; is a large edifice not very remarkable for its architecture; and the chapel of ease in Weymouth is a beautiful modern Gothic structure. Wesleyans, Independents, Baptists, Quakers, and Roman Catholics, have also places of worship. In Melcombe Regis there are a town hall, a theatre, assembly rooms, libraries, baths, and other establishments usual in watering-places. Education is provided for by national, British, and infant schools; and there are alms-houses and other charities. The harbour, which is formed by the arm of the sea below the bridge, has a pier and fixed light; but is obstructed by a bar, having only from 6 to 8 feet of water, so that it is inaccessible to Wharton, large vessels. But the roads outside afford good anchorage in 7 or 8 fathoms; and will be completely sheltered by the Portland breakwater, now in course of construction (see PORTLAND). The number of sailing vessels belonging to the port, December 31, 1858, was 81, tonnage 8126; of steamers 6, tonnage 411. In the year ending on that day there entered the port 374 sailing vessels, tonnage 28,645; and 309 steam vessels, tonnage 39,724; and there cleared 133 sailing vessels, tonnage 7840; and 313 steam vessels, tonnage 40,387. The borough is governed by six aldermen and eighteen councillors, of whom one is mayor; and it is represented in parliament by two members. Weymouth was first brought into notice as a watering-place by a visit that was paid to it by George III. in 1789. A royal lodge was built for him; and a statue has since been erected in his honour. Pop. (1851) of Weymouth, 2669; of Melcombe Regis, 5039: total of the borough, 7708.