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WESTHAM 125
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Latest News: John of Books Afloat in Park Street, Weymouth, has very kindly agreed to stock a few copies of Westham Over the Bridge of Time, along with the newly published Weymouth Through Time, both written by Debby Rose.The book WESTHAM OVER THE BRIDGE OF TIME, a short history of Westham, Weymouth, is now available to purchase through this website. The book is priced at £5.00 with all proceeds going to Westham COPS for use within the Westham community. For more information and to purchase a copy to be sent to you, please use this link: WESTHAM OVER THE BRIDGE OF TIME If you are in the Weymouth area, the book can be bought Cash on Delivery. To request a copy for local delivery, please send an email with contact details to:
~~~~~~~~~~ Westham began as an outlying part of the parish of Wyke Regis. By the 1840s, the area on this side of the backwater already had the Gasworks, founded in 1836, and a pottery with its own quay. The Melcombe Regis cemetery in Newstead Road was opened in 1856 with a lodge to house the keeper. In 1859 a wooden bridge across the backwater opened, thus making for easier access, more so for those who were to be buried. Abbotsbury Road is often found recorded as 'Cemetery Bridge Road'. The 1861 census records the 'road to the cemetery' which later became Newstead Road, and contained the Gas house, the Cemetery Lodge, Shale House Cottage (pottery) and Crockers Folly. The latter was a small group of cottages not far from the gasworks. Building was gradually increasing during this period and at a public meeting in 1882, the name West Ham was decided on for this new area, which before too long became Westham as we know it today. The big event on Saturday 26th April 2008 at Conifers Primary School was held to commemorate the formation of Westham 125 years ago and celebrate its history. Some pictures and a video of the event are on the Westham 125 page. Part of Westham was built on the site of Westham Camp where the ANZAC troops were accommodated during WW1. Archaeological digs are planned to find any traces of the buildings that once occupied the site. One such dig has already taken place, but volunteer diggers are still being sought, so if you'd like to help, please call Chris on 01305 781620. He would be delighted to hear from you. As there was no room left in the book about Westham's history: WESTHAM OVER THE BRIDGE OF TIME to include people's memories, another book is planned specifically for them. If you would like to contribute your memories of Westham, please email to:
You are very welcome to join the Weymouth and Dorset Local and Family History Forums Guestbook - where you may leave your comments. Interactive Map of the Westham area - showing landmark buildings past and present Some historical resources have been transcribed and have now been added to the website to help those interested in the local or family history of Westham. Added so far are:
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