Bridport, Dorset
Bridport Dorset 
Rope and nets of all kinds have been made at Bridport for nearly 1,000 years. In the past the bulk of the rope output was for the rigging of  ships. But ropes for gallows were also made there, and the hangman’s noose was nicknamed the “Bridport  dagger”. 
 
The town was the biggest net-making centre in Europe. The long gardens at the rear of the houses were used as rope-walks, places where the flax strands were Laid Out and twisted into shape. and it is still Europe’s principal centre for the production of fishing nets, lines, and cordage. These fascinating local trades are featured in a permanent exhibition at Bridport Museum and Art Gallery. Also here are exhibits showing the archaeology, geology, and natural history of the area.  Excavations at Maiden Castle in 1937 revealed the bones of men killed whilst defending the fort against the Romans. After the battle of Worcester in 1651 Charles II came here to hide, rather incautiously, in ‘the best inn in town’; this now contains a shop.

WEST BAY, Dorset
A port since the 13th century, West Bay is still used for fishing but additionally caters for small cargo boats and pleasure craft. At one time it served as a harbour for Bridport, which lies 13 miles north, but nowadays it supplements its port business with resort facilities such as piers and a promenade.

Local towns and villages to visit..
Abbotsbury
Bridport 
Beaminster
Dorchester
Lyme Regis
Portland
Sherborne
Weymouth
Attractions
MAP

 

Sailing and water-skiing in Lyme Bay from Lyme Regis, West Bay and Portland.

Local Accommodation..

Bridport Caravan and Camping sites

 

DORSET LINKS
Dorset Information
Dorset Pubs
Dorset Theatres
Dorset Restaurants
Dorset Hotels
Dorset Caravans
Dorset Attractions
Dorset Events
Dorset
ART & CRAFTS
Slate Paintings
 

INDEX

Dorset holidays, Cottages, Caravan Holiday Parks, Camping, shows, festivals, attractions and events Dorset. Dorset Map.  West Country Links

 
WEST COUNTRY ENTERTAINMENT
EVENTS, FETES, FESTIVALS, GARDENS OPEN ATTRACTIONS , DAYS OUT, GARDENS, FETES E.T.C
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SCUBA DIVING, SURFING GOLF COURSES
BOAT TOURS AND CRUISES AVAILABLE
THEATRES AND WHAT'S ON
MAPS FOR THE WEST COUNTRY
 
WEST COUNTRY ACCOMMODATION
COTTAGE HOLIDAYS Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall
 
WEST COUNTRY CAMPING AND TOURING SITES
 
West Country Businesses add your link
 
WEST COUNTRY PUBLIC HOUSES AND RESTAURANTS
RESTAURANTS AND EATING PLACES
PUBS AND CLUBS IN THE WEST COUNTRY
 
 
 
ART & CRAFTS
Slate paintings