St Mary's Church, Weymouth
St Mary's Church is an active Church of England church of 19th-century origin in Weymouth, Dorset, England. Largely built of Portland stone, the church has been described as having an "austere design in Palladian mode". It has been Grade I Listed since 1953.[1]
History
The site of St Mary's Church had previously been the location of two previous churches. The original Chantry chapel was first recorded at the site in 1299.[2] It was later replaced in 1605 with a new church that replaced the role of St Mary's at Radipole as the parish church of Melcombe Regis.[3] The new church was frequently used by King George III during his visits to Weymouth between 1789-1805. By the early 19th-century, the church was deemed too small and in need of extensive repair, which led to an Act of Parliament being granted for its replacement.[1][2]
The church was demolished in 1815, allowing work to commence on the building of St Mary's. The new church, designed by James Hamilton, was completed in 1817 and consecrated on 23 March that year.[2] It was built to seat 2,000 people.[4] The church underwent major restoration in 1922, which included the rebuilding of the north aisle.[1]
References
- ^ a b c "CHURCH OF ST MARY, Weymouth and Portland - 1147947". Historic England. 1953-12-12. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
- ^ a b c "St Mary's Church history". Staldhelmstann.co.uk. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
- ^ "Weymouth & Melcombe Regis Family History". Weymouth-dorset.co.uk. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
- ^ "The New Weymouth Guide and Visitors' Pocket Companion. Improved Edition - Google Books". Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 2017-10-30.