A hidden history of Dorset goes on display at County Hall

Artefacts, photographs and plans revealing how people lived in Dorset hundreds of years ago will be showcased in a free exhibition at County Hall in Dorchester from Monday.

Running for two weeks, from 12 to 23 October, during normal office hours, the exhibition brings together findings from two major excavations carried out on Dorset Council-owned land as part of regeneration projects in Weymouth.

The display features newly uncovered evidence of life in the county from medieval times onwards from North Quay and the Weymouth Bowl site, two locations on opposite sides of Weymouth Harbour.

Together, the two sites tell the story of the historic towns of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, which later combined to form modern Weymouth.

The discoveries also reveal how communities adapted to changing circumstances over the centuries, including the gradual expansion of development towards the harbour.

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."

Lunchtime 'Meet the Archaeologists' sessions will take place on Wednesday 14 and Wednesday 21 October, from 11am to 2pm, when archaeologists from Context One Heritage and 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.”

For security reasons, artefacts will only be on display while staff are present, so visitors will be able to view them exclusively during the two Wednesday lunchtime sessions. Historic maps will also be on display during these sessions.

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.