Stone Pier

Coordinates: 50°36′32″N 2°26′32″W / 50.6088°N 2.4423°W / 50.6088; -2.4423
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Stone Pier as seen from the Nothe Fort

Stone Pier, also known as South Pier, is a pier located on the southern side of the entrance of Weymouth Harbour, in Dorset, England. It extends out from the Nothe Peninsula, which is the location of the Nothe Fort and Nothe Gardens.

History[edit]

The earliest Stone Pier structure dates to at least the early 17th century. One of the earliest maps to depict a pier or breakwater at the entrance of Weymouth Harbour is William Simpson's 1626 map of Weymouth and Portland.[1] The original structure was far shorter than the existing one. During the 19th century, the main pier structure was fronted by loose stones forming a breakwater which continued a further 370 feet. A buoy was placed at the seaward end as the breakwater was covered at times of high tide.[2] The Great Storms of 1824 caused much damage to the pier, resulting in a rebuild. Later in 1876, work was completed on a 250 feet extension to the pier along the breakwater below, which provided greater protection to Weymouth Pier opposite and vessels using the harbour. The pier was extended again in the 1910s, with a tower erected on the end to accommodate a navigational light. Reinforcement works were undertaken in the 1980s following storm damage.[3][4] Today the pier is a popular place for sea anglers and walkers.[5][6]

References[edit]

  1. ^ William Simpson. "True description of the situation of Waymouth and Melcombe Regis 1626". Royal Museums Greenwich. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Sailing Directions for the English Channel ...: South coast of England - United States. Hydrographic Office - Google Books". 1872. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  3. ^ Prowse, Eddie (15 June 2014). Weymouth From Old Photographs - Eddie Prowse - Google Books. ISBN 9781445623030. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  4. ^ Rose, Debby (15 December 2008). Weymouth Through Time - Debby Rose - Google Books. ISBN 9781445632162. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  5. ^ "Weymouth's historic harbouriside is a top tourism attraction". Dorset Echo. 22 August 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  6. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 February 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

50°36′32″N 2°26′32″W / 50.6088°N 2.4423°W / 50.6088; -2.4423