Naturally separated by a barrier of water, the two boroughs of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis were forced to co-exist together, but how? 

Weymouth harbour acted as a barrier between the boroughs with both areas having their own ways of running things.

Weymouth had bailiffs to direct the town affairs, whilst Melcombe Regis was governed by a mayor.

Each borough even sent two members to Parliament.

Dorset Echo:

This rivalry, although without harm to start with, eventually turned to a state of jealousy, with quarrels over the rights to the profits of the harbour, a topic of quarrels and dispute.

Both areas were also facing a decline after the bubonic plague swept through the harbour to make its way across the country.

Due to Melcombe Regis being a royal manor, having 'regis' in its title, it meant that these complaints over profits were often brought before the notice of Parliament.

One document, dated as early as 1570, eventually put an end to the squabbling. This was a treaty of peace between Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.

The treaty was said to have many seals attached, and was signed by 66 people.

It was said that Queen Elizabeth I was growing weary of the disputes between the towns, and with advice from her counsellor, Lord Cecil, the decision came to unite them.

On June 1, 1571, Elizabeth gave the town a Charter of Incorporation, which reads: “The mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalities of both towns represented that, for 35 years, great controversies had arisen between inhabitants of both boroughs concerning the right to the profits of the haven running between both, the hearing of which has caused much trouble to the Queen and those who governed before her and a great decay and impoverishment to the town.

“The lords of HM Privy Council having required them, because it was hard to be understood in who, the rights was, to agree that the said boroughs be made one corporation and to be reputed only one borough and town, to be called Weymouth and Melcombe Regis."

Dorset Echo:

With that ordinance, burgess Bernard Major, became the first mayor of the town.

Major, his two first bailiffs and 24 burgesses made up the council-men. They were granted powers to make by laws and could enjoy all liberties, fairs, markets and lands which the towns had before they were united together.

Nine years later, in 1580, another document commanded the complete union of the two boroughs. 

Some 14 years after that, in 1594, the first bridge across the harbour was built, compiled of 17 arches made of timber, believed to have cost a staggering £1,500 at the time. 

This replaced the old ferry-boat that would usually carry people from one side to the other. 

In 1598, the Queen cleared the debts of the harbour with a remission of dues owing to the great cost of the new bridge. 

After the two towns were united, a new coat-of-arms was drawn up on May 1, 1592 by Robert Cooke. Cooke called himself Principal Herald and King of Armies. 

Dorset Echo: The design featured the famous ship with the three masts with two square banners on either side.

The Corporation seal was also created at the same time and the rest is history, with the prominent crest even serving to represent Weymouth FC.  

With thanks to A Short History of Weymouth by E.S.L. Cosens, a member of the Weymouth Education Committee, published in 1927.