Town Bridge, Weymouth, Dorset
This bascule (opening) road bridge crosses the Harbour and links Old Weymouth with Melcombe Regis. It was built in 1930 by the Corporation. The cost was shared between the Borough Council, Dorset County Council and the Ministry of Transport. It holds an important position visually in the town and was designed to look dignified. The first bridge here replaced a rope ferry in 1597. It was rebuilt 3 times in the 18th century. In 1821 a new 'permanent' bridge was built in 1824. This is known to have had a toll gate at the Melcombe Regis end in 1857. The 1824 bridge was replaced by the present structure.
