Lyme Regis was developed in the 13th Century as a port in Britain. Admiral Sir George Somers, who was once the town's mayor and parliamentarian, called it home. He founded the Somers Isles that is also known as Bermuda. The Cobb is something that the town is well known for due to its rich history and character. Jan Austen's novel Persuasion form 1818 uses it at a vital feature. The movie The French Lieutenant's Woman is based on the local writer John Fowles novel by the same name that came out in 1969.
The Cobb played a large economical role in the town as well as the areas around it. It became a major chip building center and port from the 13th Century on. Roughly 100 ships launched from the harbor from 1780 to 1850 including the 12-gun Royal Navy bridge named HMS Snap which made shipbuilding especially vital during this time. Providing not only a artificial harbour but also a breakwater that protected the town was the wall of the Cobb.
The watermill dates back to 1340 was restored to working order to produce flour that mill's bakery uses and that also get sold in shops. The mill is fed from the River Lym or Lim. While the site of the mill could be older it was recorded in the Doomsday Book as existing in 1086.
St Michael's, a parish church, and is on Church Street. The full name is Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel. It dominated the old town from it's perch on Church Cliff. The churchyard can be accessed in three ways, by entering the archway and going up the steps for Church Street, from next to the Boys' Club or directly from Church Street up higher on the hill.
Mary Anning is buried at Long Entry overlooking Lyme Bay. Dedicated to her memory by the Geological Society of London is a stained glass window. On the site of her birthplace and the shop her family owned is a museum just off of Bridge Street. The museum has an extensive selection of memorabilia, historical artifacts and exhibits from the town.
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