Portland Bill - History

History

The area of Portland Bill was once used for quarrying until the early years of the 20th century. The Portland Bill Lighthouse was built with stone from these quarries and the area was then finally abandoned. Even today, evidence of quarrying tramways can be found. In the storms of January 1990, the weather ripped out an area of cliff top to reveal old rails from the Victorian tramway where it curved round to meet Portland Bill's crane.

Portland had no road reaching to Portland Bill until one was built between the World Wars and visitors originally had to travel over a rough track. A small number of housing is found in the area, largely around the Old Lower Lighthouse, and the housing remains one of the most remote settlements in South Dorset.

The Ministry of Defence Magnetic Range is found at Portland Bill, where tests can be performed away from stray electric and magnetic fields. Close to this range is Portland's "Raised Beach" - created during a warm inter-glacial climate change 200,000 years ago when sea levels were about 15 metres above present levels. A Coastguard station is also located close to Portland Bill.

During the total total eclipse of the sun in August 1999, the eclipse passed one kilometre off Portland Bill, where thousands of people travelled to the area for the experience.

Many beach huts are found in the Portland Bill area, and often sell for prices around £30,000. This is due to the modern planning regulations which were not in force when the huts were originally placed at Portland Bill.