Weymouth, town in Dorset, southern England. Weymouth is a seaside resort and port on the English Channel, located in Weymouth Bay. Originally a fishing community, Weymouth received a port charter in 1252, and in the 17th century enjoyed much trade with America. George III ensured the future prosperity of the town when in 1789 he became the first reigning English monarch to bathe in the sea, in Weymouth Bay. The nobility was quick to follow his example and the wealth brought to Weymouth is seen in the broad sea-front promenade, known as the Esplanade, in the terraces of bow-fronted houses in the streets behind, and in St Mary's Church with its elegant clock tower. Today, Weymouth's beaches and safe bathing, and the attractions of the adjacent Purbeck and West Dorset stretches of attractive coastline, make the town a popular holiday destination. Weymouth port is an important passenger ferry terminal, with cross-Channel services to Cherbourg and the Channel Islands. In addition to tourism, the economy has a strong service sector.
The Isle of Portland, a limestone plateau, lies to the south of Weymouth. It is joined to the mainland at Abbotsbury by the 16-km (10-mi) long shingle ridge known as Chesil Beach. Population (1994 estimate) Weymouth and Portland 62,900.
