u/BobShostak

Portland’s very own Henge. Although spectacular, it is a semi-circle, unlike Stonehenge.
Still a work of art, and excellent workmanship by stonemasons near and far.

When I was very young, this building was a Methodist Church, one that my siblings and I went to every Sunday.
Firstly, it was home to our Sunday School. Later we read Bible passages and helped the local community at special times of the year - Easter and Christmas, obviously, but also the Harvest Festival every Autumn. I loved the Church building and was sad when the ministry finally left, selling it to the Royal Manor Arts Centre.
Nice to see it still standing though, in use, and it looks well cared for, unlike other parts of Fortuneswell. ⛪️🛐
*Appears to be built almost entirely from Portland Stone.

If you’re visiting Portland, head up to Portland Bill for a good look at the lighthouse.
While you’re there, you really should grab a seat in The Lobster Pot. It has a large dining section, a souvenir shop, and a take-away hatch for those who want to enjoy their ice-cream and snacks outside.

I eat there whenever I can. The window seats give a wonderful view of the English Channel. The food is always really good and you can eat in and also order food to take home.
The staff there are very polite and helpful.

I am not affiliated to this establishment in any way. I recommend it simply because the food and service are excellent, as are the stunning views.

Weymouth is just a couple of miles from Portland, reached by the Beach Road (real name ‘The Causeway’ is never used).
I lived there for many years before finally returning to my hometown.
Weymouth has links to King George III who came to bathe on the beach and take in some seaside air.
Portland is itself a Royal Manor and still retains a Court Leet.
Photos show:
The King’s Statue, on the Esplanade, overlooking Weymouth Beach. More HERE
The Jubilee Clock. Built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Also on the Esplanade, not far from King George. More HERE
Statue of Queen Victoria, at the far end of the Esplanade, and a bit overlooked. More HERE
‘The White Horse’ at Osmington. Created to depict King George III’s travels to Weymouth. The King was allegedly displeased that he and his horse are heading out of Weymouth, rather than riding into it. Famously damaged by Anneka Rice for a national TV show, ‘Challenge Anneka’. More HERE

Weymouth also has 2 smaller areas with Royal links: Wyke Regis, which is the first ‘hamlet’ reached when leaving Portland. It sits at the Northern end of the Beach Road.
The other is Melcombe Regis, a very old section of the town, close to Weymouth Beach.

I really need to get out with my camera sometime soon.

I was once able to scale the steps, down, and then back up again without breaking a sweat.
Different story these days. I stand at Rufus Castle and watch other people do it.
Still a fabulous view.

One of my brothers, who died aged just 5 months, in 1954, is buried at the back of the Church cemetery.
I love it here - it’s so wonderfully gothic. I’ll share more later, when I’ve done a proper camera shoot. 📸

The former Easton Railway Station, just off Easton Square. This was the line’s terminus.

Today it is a large housing complex for senior citizens; aged 55+. The new building runs in the same direction as the tracks once did.

The last photo shows the main entrance to the elders’ home.

The loss of the train, which ran from the top of the island over to our neighbouring town of Weymouth, was a huge blow for the islanders who relied on the trains for transport to work and back.

No longer an active quarry, this is now a venue for artists, sculptors, stonemasons etc, to visit and create a huge gallery, using the native Portland Stone.
Artists and masons come from around the globe to work on projects here.

The gold postbox, awarded gold status for hosting the sailing events in Portland Harbour, during the Summer Olympic Games, 2012.
This box is located on Weston Road, close to Pound Piece.

Isle of Portland at sunset, courtesy of a top-notch drone. 📸