Shopping in Bridport
The Town Hall built in 1786 is the hub of the town centre with the towns wide main streets, namely, East Street, West Street and South Street, leading from it. This T-shape arrangement is typical of mediaeval towns. The town has a good range of shopping, eating and drinking opportunities as well as Wednesday and Saturday street markets.
Rope making in Bridport
Dating back to Roman times, it later became famous for its rope and net making industry in the 13th century and for several centuries Bridport rope was used for the majority of hangman's nooses in England. In 1213 King John is reported to have commaned 'to be made at Bridport, by night and day as many ropes for ships both large and small, and as many cables as you can'.
Bridport's rope making industry was reported to employ in 1793 approximately 1700 people. 7000 people from the surround area were also invloved.
The history of Bridport
The Bridport Museum is the ideal place for retracing its fascinating history.
Another historic site is The Old Brewery part of which is still thatched and which has been in operation since 1794. It is one of the few United Kingdom producers able to claim continuous production for over 200 years on its original site. It is possible to arrange tours of the brewery.
West Bay
West Bay has two shingle beaches either side of it's pier and harbour. The east beach is dominated by tall golden cliffs.
The river Brit which runs through Briport and past the Old Brewery on its way to its final destination of West Bay Harbour, where it empties into the sea.
There are rowing boats for hire in West Bay, giving you the opportunity to take a leisurely row up the river Brit.
West Bay's harbour was formerly known as Bridport until the late 1800s when it was changed to West Bay Harbour.
In more recent years the harbour gained some fame when it was used as the harbour for the TV series "Harbour Lights" starring the ex-Eastenders heartthrob Nick Berry.
On nearly all side of the harbour you'll find an array of cafes and kiosks sellings various goodies and from some of the incoming fishing vessels can buy direct your seafood, such as crabs, lobsters and seasonal fish.
