When the necessity of forming harbours of refuge on our coast became apparent the natural advantages of Portland Roads were pointed out to the commissioners at an early stage and the construction of such a work was eventually decided on.

To effect the object in view it was determined to erect a breakwater from the north east extremity of the island running in a northerly direction towards the opposite shore of the bay between Weymouth and St. Alban's Head. The work was commenced in 1849 and on July 25th, H.R.H. Prince Albert laid the foundation stone. Current coins of the realm were deposited in the stone, and were covered with a plate, bearing the following inscription ; " On the 25th day of July, A.D. 1849, in the, 12th year of the reign Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, H.R.H. Prince Albert, K.G., K.C.B., K.C.M.G., deposited this stone to record the commencement of the Portland Breakwater. James Meadows Rendel, engineer-in-chief John Coode, resident. engineer."

The first portion of the break-water was completed in 1868. Its total length was 2,500 yards. On the outer end there is a strong case-mated fort.

The second portion of the breakwater, that, running from the Fort to Bincleaves, was commenced in 1894. It is over two miles long [in total]. To take the place of the red harbour light at the top of the Breakwater Fort a lighthouse has (1905) been erected on the other side of the outer entrance to the harbour. Between 1895 and 1902 �465,012 was spent by the Government on the Portland Harbour Works. *

* Portland Year Book for 1905

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