24-05-2025
Weymouth Museum boat removal requires demolition work
A historic boat has been moved from the top floor of Brewers Quay to a safe storage location.
The removal required part of a wall to be demolished in order for a crane to be able to move the boat.
Known as a lerret, the boat was designed specifically for fishing off Chesil Bank and has been in Weymouth Museum since the 70's.
The historic boat was made in 1934, costing £20 to build and was originally commissioned by the Farn family from the local boatbuilders.
The museum also has the original receipts from the commission by the builders at Ferrybridge.
The boat is named 'The Pleasure' and was gifted to the museum in 1979 by the Farn family.
It was first on display at the museum's original location in Melcombe before being moved to the top floor of Brewers Quay in the late 1980s, as part of the Timewalk's smuggling scene.
The placement of the boat pre-roof completion meant that it could not be easily removed, causing a problem for the developers.
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Lerrets are historic boats that were specially designed for fishing off the Chesil Bank. (Image: Weymouth Museum) After 40 years, the removal of the boat required Jason Craig and his team to demolish part of a wall to get the boat out. A crane then managed to gradually lower the boat to the ground, assisted by the Brewers Quay team.
Marcia Headon, chairman of Weymouth Museum Trust, said: "We are really grateful to Jason Craig and his team.
"They have taken great care in moving the lerret and we are delighted that it has been placed into safe storage.
"Once the new museum starts to take shape at Brewers Quay, the lerret will be displayed for all to see at ground level."
Weymouth Museum will currently be operating from a new pop-up shop on St Thomas Street.
The pop-up will open in June and will have new exhibits on display for members of the public to explore.
The museum is looking for volunteers to help out at the temporary shop.
Any interested individuals can contact museum chairman Marcia Headon at weymouthmuseumchair@ or ring 07971597860.
