Историк расскажет о трагедии Портленда, когда насилие рекрутов привело к гибели четырех человек

A clash that left four people dead will be explored during an upcoming talk in Weymouth. Historian Jeff Little will present a special Teas and Talks session focusing on the Portland Massacre, a violent confrontation that took place on April 2, 1803. The event, organised by Weymouth Museum, will be held at The Centenary Club in Weymouth on Monday, September 28, starting at 2.30pm. Mr Little's talk will recount the dramatic events that unfolded when Royal Navy vessel HMS Aigle dispatched a press gang of around 50 sailors and marines to Portland. Their mission was to forcefully recruit an additional 10 sailors at a time when Britain was facing growing pressure from Napoleon's advances across Europe. According to the event description, Portlanders, including around 300 stonemasons, fishermen and members of their families, resisted the move and rallied together to protect local men from being taken away. The situation quickly escalated. Scuffles broke out between the two groups and, in an attempt to restore order, the captain reportedly fired his pistol. However, marines then opened fire on the crowd, resulting in several casualties. Three local men were killed in the incident, while a woman suffered fatal injuries and died several days later. The talk will explore how a close-knit community stood united against a military force desperate for manpower during a turbulent period of British history. Hosted as part of Weymouth Museum's popular Teas and Talks series, the event offers visitors the chance to learn more about a lesser-known chapter of Dorset's past while enjoying refreshments. The Portland Massacre with Jeff Little takes place at The Centenary Club, Weymouth, DT4 7BG, on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 2.30pm. Tickets are available through TicketSource at https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/nbpweoqpgkpa