Developers of the Old Rectory building in Weymouth have uncovered original features once described by renowned author J.Meade Falkner.

The author of the classic smuggling novel Moonfleet spent almost a decade of his childhood at the property in the late 19th century.

He later described his childhood home in memoirs penned in 1925 and developers DJ Property believe they have uncovered features within the home that Falkner told of in those memoirs.

Falkner highlighted the blend of Victorian and Georgian elements within the home, with one of the most striking features the grand circular stone staircase, dimly lit by a distant skylight in the roof.

READ: Historic Rectory building to be brought back to life

The Rectory building is undergoing renovation works The Rectory building is undergoing renovation works (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

CEO of DJ Property, Mickey Jones said:  “The staircase we believe Falkner refers to, and another one in what was the neighbouring property, are of that period and still lit by a skylight in the roof but, interestingly, constructed of wood rather than stone.

"We are still uncovering evidence of original features and are pleased to note the building still boasts original cornices and significant fireplaces dating to the era.”

 “The discovery of these features is a testament to the rich history embedded within The Rectory’s walls."

According to Falkner’s memoirs, 'the two houses were of fine brick, whose red colour had
been toned by the smoke of the town into the colour of a London house in Bloomsbury
before renovators and restorers had laid hands upon it.'

Local historian Graham Perry advised the property developers of Falkner's account of his childhood at the property.

READ: Rectory could become Jurassic Coast museum

The spiral staircase and skylit in the Rectory building in WeymouthThe spiral staircase and skylit in the Rectory building in Weymouth (Image: DJ Property)

He said: “Falkner lived in the property between 1871 and 1880. He was just 13 years old when he moved in with his parents and four siblings. His father was the new curate at St Mary’s Church.

"At that time, The Rectory comprised a pair of impressive Georgian houses—81 and 82 St Thomas Street - with the Falkner family resided in No. 82.

"Shortly after moving into this grand house, his mother and siblings contracted Typhoid and his mother sadly passed after nursing the children back to health.”

READ: The Rectory building set to be restored by winter

A fireplace believed to have been from the era when Falkner was living in the propertyA fireplace believed to have been from the era when Falkner was living in the property (Image: DJ Property)

Mr Jones added: "Learning that J. Meade Falkner, the author of Moonfleet, spent his
formative years in The Rectory adds a rich layer of history to this already
magnificent building.

"We are dedicated to honouring and preserving the architectural legacy of this magnificent building for future generations to
appreciate.”

The Rectory building is set to be ready by the end of the year and a possible use for the building is it will be turned into a Jurassic Coast Trust centre, highlighting the area's geological significance.