Block House (Melcombe)

The Block House was an old fort in the town of Melcombe, in Weymouth, Dorset, southern England.

[1] It was probably built by the town of Melcombe, before 1571, when Melcome and Weymouth became a single borough.

[1] At the time, it was built on the site of "Charloote Row" (50°36′37″N 2°27′12″W / 50.610229°N 2.453200°W / 50.610229; -2.453200), which is now a terrace and listed building.

[3] During the reign of Elizabeth I, a gentleman called Richard Smith was given the office of gunner, known as vi bellator, for life.

[3] This suggests some royal funding for the fort, although it was likely built by the town of Melcombe, rather than the Crown itself.