Bridport
The Historic Market Town of Bridport lies approximately one and a half miles
inland from the coast of West Bay. The Rivers Simene and Asker join the River Brit at
Bridport to continue their journey to the sea. Many of the well known high street shop
names can be found in Bridport, including banks, supermarkets, chemists and department stores.
However, Bridport also has many smaller shops where the unusual or even the unique can be found.
Both Bridport town and the surrounding area are arts and crafts orientated, with a bohemian impression.
Until the turn of the millennium, West Dorset had been overlooked in favour of East Dorset and East
Devon during the surge in property prices. However, Bridport and the local area has recently
caught up with its coastal neighbours.
At the junction where East Street meets South Street is Bridport's Town Hall.
It was built in 1786 upon the old site of St Andrew's Chapel, while the clock tower was a later
addition in 1806. The upper story had originally been a court for borough sessions, a separate
room for the grand jury and a council chamber. The passage below Bridport Town Hall and a small
square next to it in South Street is called 'Bucky Doo'.
Bridport Arts Centre can be found in South Street by Bucky Doo Square.
The building dates back to 1838 when it was a Methodist Chapel. This historic venue has a
200 seat theatre, 3 gallery spaces plus a café and bar. Various theatrical presentations
as well as exhibitions are regularly held here. The farmers' market is also a regular
venue at Bridport Arts Centre, held on every second Saturday of the month.
Further down South Street is Bridport Museum. Bridport's thousand year
history is recorded here, from the days of Alfred the Great to the Second World War.
One of Bridport's attractions is its open street market, held on every Wednesday
and Saturday mornings. Antiques and bric-a-brac are often a speciality, so if you're looking
for a bargain in Bridport or something unique, then this is the market to 'Trawl the Stalls'.
Bridport Leisure Centre is located at the bottom end of South Street, opposite
the supermarket at Brewery Fields (behind Palmers Brewery). Various facilities and
activities are available for families, children and individuals. Bridport Leisure Centre
is run as a non-profit making Sports Trust.
Other places of interest in Bridport include:
The Chantry in South Street is thought to be the oldest building in Bridport.
Evidence of this medieval tower house suggests that it probably originated as a beacon for ships.
In 1369 the building was converted into a chantry (a priest's house).
St Mary's Church in South Street. A church has stood on this site in Bridport since at least the
Middle Ages, probably much earlier. The earliest remains date from the 13th Century
with many later additions during the 15th Century. Today there is a warm welcome for
newcomers to join the Bridport congregation in Sunday and midweek services.
The Chapel in the Garden in East Street was built in 1794 originally to follow the faith of
'Unitarian Christianity' in Bridport, but in recent years has moved to 'Free Christianity',
the congregation meeting every Sunday morning.
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