The Cobb (Harbour) at Lyme Regis dates from the 13th Century.

It has long inspired artists and writers like Jane Austen.

The unforgettable opening scene from the film The French Lieutenant's Woman was shot here.

Lyme's existence depended upon the Cobb, a small artificial harbour dating from the time of Edward I.

The Cobb is first mentioned in a written account during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377), when it was described as a work of timber and stone damaged by storms.

The stones were actually huge boulders called cow-stones, brought to the site by being floated between barrels and then stacked loose between oak piles.

The Cobb was initially detached from the shore at high tide to let shingle through, which in turn formed protective banks or sea defences.

Lyme is totally exposed to south-westerly gales, and the Cobb is both harbour and breakwater.

In 1377 it was destroyed in a storm, leading to the destruction of 80 houses and 50 boats.

The presence of the Cobb allowed Lyme Regis to become a shipbuilding centre and important port, trading wool for wine.

In 1756 the Cobb was finally joined to land, and beginning in 1820 it was completely rebuilt in Portland stone.