Melcombe Regis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melcombe Regis |
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 Melcombe Regis
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| OS grid reference | SY6880 |
| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WEYMOUTH |
| Postcode district | DT4 |
| Dialling code | 01305 |
| Police | Dorset |
| Fire | Dorset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Melcombe Regis is an area located in Weymouth, Dorset, England. It sits on the northern side of Weymouth Harbour.
Contents
Early History of Melcombe Regis
Melcombe Regis started as a small settlement. It grew into an important town and seaport in the 1200s. In 1268, it was given a special document called a charter. This charter made it a borough, which meant it had certain rights and its own local government.
The Black Death Arrives
Melcombe Regis was one of the first places in England to be hit by the Black Death. This terrible disease arrived in the summer of 1348. It might have been brought by soldiers or sailors coming back from the Hundred Years' War. It could also have come from a visiting ship carrying spices. No one knows for sure how it arrived.
Joining with Weymouth
For a long time, there were two separate towns. Melcombe was on the north side of the harbour. Weymouth was on the south side. In 1571, these two towns officially joined together. After this, the name Weymouth was used for both areas.
Even after joining, Melcombe Regis remained a separate church area. It also became a civil parish in 1866. However, in 1920, the civil parish was removed. Melcombe Regis then fully merged with Weymouth.
A Royal Holiday Spot
After a period of decline, Melcombe Regis became popular again. This happened because of the Duke of Gloucester. He was the brother of King George III. The Duke visited the town often in the 1780s.
Later, King George III himself started visiting regularly. He used the town as his holiday spot between 1789 and 1811. The people of Melcombe Regis were very grateful. They put up a large statue of him on the Esplanade, which is the sea-front. Another famous landmark is the Osmington White Horse. This is a large horse carved into a hillside nearby.
Many of the large, beautiful houses on the Esplanade were built during this time. They are in the Georgian style. The town also got the name Regis. This Latin word means "of the King." It shows the town's special connection to the royal family.
A Popular Resort Today
By the time King George's visits ended, Melcombe Regis was a very successful holiday resort. It has continued to be a popular place for holidays right up to today.
World War II and Ferries
During World War II, Weymouth and Melcombe Regis played an important role. It was used as a base for Allied troops. These troops were preparing for the D-Day landings in France. After the war, the town also became a place where cross-channel ferries operate. These ferries take people and vehicles across the English Channel.
See also
In Spanish: Melcombe Regis para niños
