Visited 7th July 2016
Weymouth was originally a small fishing port in the parish of Wyke, until Holy Trinity Church was opened in 1830. Therefore most baptisms before 1830 took place in the church of All Saints, Wyke Regis. There was, however, an Independent Chapel in St Nicholas Street in Weymouth. Nowadays Wyke Regis is just the South-western-most suburb of Weymouth.
Sue's 5xGreat-Grandparents, John Sampson and Emblan Oppe, moved to Weymouth about 1767. They baptised five children in the St Nicholas Street Independent Chapel, including James in 1778 (Sue's 4xGreat-Grandfather). James married Mary Rodd at Portland St George in 1805. The couple then baptised their first two children (William and Marianne) at Wyke Regis All Saints before moving to Portsmouth.
"Vision of Britain" entry for Weymouth
Historic England: All Saints Wyke Regis
All Saints Wyke Regis stands at the top of the first hill north of the Fleet at the top end of Portland Road. The tall church tower therefore acts as a seaman's landmark, visible from the English Channel on both sides of Portland. Part of the churchyard has been cleared and the gravestones lined up along the churchyard wall. The rest of the churchyard is heavily wooded and "left to nature".
We were very fortunate that one of the church wardens was just locking up after business in the church, and he kindly unlocked again and showed us around inside.
Exterior of Wyke Regis All Saints. Portland stone, of course. | Looking towards the altar inside Wyke Regis All Saints. |
The Tower of Wyke Regis All Saints, displayed the pale beauty of the Portland limestone. | The Grade-II-listed Lych Gate, Wyke Regis All Saints |
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