hidden history of Montevideo House

today. Montevideo House once housed a very impressive collection of old masters, including Rembrandt, van Dyke, and Poussin. It later passed into the ownership of Nelson Richardson and his wife Helen, nee Rogers. The Rogers family’s wealth came from a tin-plate business in South Wales. Helen’s brother, John Henry Rogers is an interesting character. After leaving Rugby School, he introduced rugby football to his hometown of Llanelli from where it spread to the whole of Wales. He was also a woodcarver: some of his work can still be found in Chickerell Church.

Chris suspects the architect of Montevideo House could have been James Hamilton, who also designed the edifice on which the statue of King George III has stood for nearly 200 years. But frustratingly, he has been unable to prove this. Chris has been able to follow the various owners’ families’ lives all over south and west Dorset, filling in much detail about their lives. The result is a fascinating series of snapshots of people connected with Montevideo House over more than 200 years. n To order the book online, go to dorsetbooks.com/ productcategory/local-interest and go to page 4.

On your bike to help out

Dorset Council is looking for volunteers who may be able to offer a couple of hours a week, as part of a new inclusive cycling initiative in Weymouth. The inclusive cycling course will be on offer at the park and ride from spring this year, in partnership with national inclusive cycling charity, Wheels 4 All and is open to residents of Weymouth who may have accessibility needs or want to build up their bicycle confidence. Volunteers are needed to help get the cycles ready for participants and would suit someone with a keen interest in cycling.

If you think you would enjoy being part of a volunteering team please call 01425 480811 or email healthandactivity@dorset council.gov.uk