Bowling alley dig hopes to unearth town's origins

Archaeologists are to investigate the site of a former bowling alley thought to hold evidence of a town's medieval origins.

The former MFA Bowl building in Weymouth occupied one of the earliest parts of Melcombe Regis which was founded in the late 13th Century.

Preliminary investigations in 2022 revealed at least one medieval property in St Nicholas Street.

The site has now been cleared for development and the dig, led by Context One, is expected to begin in January or February of next year.

Richard McConnell of Context One said: "Our preliminary investigation not only showed a whole sequence of remains dating all the way back to the town's foundation but also how well preserved these were.

"Crucially, the excavation will be carried out as a community project with volunteers from Dig The Street group and the local community, and we can't wait to share the discoveries as they unfold."

The demolition of the former ten-pin bowling centre was delayed due to the presence of asbestos in the internal roof tiles.

Dorset Council, which owns the site, said it had not yet been decided what would take its place.