Just under 250 years ago, in September 1794, Captain William O’Brien Drury spied four frigates off the coast of Weymouth. He quickly sent out a signal to them, but received no response. Panic overcame him. King George III and his family were holidaying on the shore – the seaside town had become a favourite spot of the royal family as of late. The French had jumped him as he caught some rays; regicide on the Jurassic coast.
Quick as a flash, bags were being packed, sandcastles dismantled; it was time to go. However, as swiftly as the panic erupted, it was diffused. There was no French plot, just the heroic Sir James Saumarez and his fleet. The King no doubt breathed a sigh of relief and went back to licking his rock.
