Bridport is widely acknowledge as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast a World Heritage Site. And is situated at the Western end of the famous Chesil Beach where the rivers Brit, and Asker converge. And unlike Blandford-Forum, Bridport's origins are uncertain although it is believed to be of Saxon origin dating from the time of Alfred the Great 871-899. Bridport is recorded from the time of the Norman Conquest (1066) and the Domesday Census, also know as that historical document the "Domesday Book" (1086) says that the town, though the smallest town in Dorset, was not only firmly established, but that Bridport was important enough to have a mint. In those early day's the town was an thriving fishing port although today the port is no longer in existence, although there remains a harbour at  West Bay, which is a growing holiday center, and possesses fine sandy beaches. Rope that common every-day product we have all used at some time or other was one of the reason for Bridgeport's existence. For it was during the reign of King John (1199 - 1216) that Bridport's rope making industry began to flourish. This later accelerated when the Royal Navy, was formed and it was the navy's insatiable appetite for rope that was to provide the means for Bridport's prosperity. Why was this area chosen for rope making? it was because of the rich fertile soil and moderate climate was ideal for growing hemp and flax the two commodities essential in rope manufacturing. The historic town of Bridport situated on the river Brit, and it's history and prosperity was always decreed by the actions of king's. First in the 9th century Alfred the Great is believed to have constructed fortifications, and declared it a self-regulating town. Then we have King John, in early 1200 a.d entrusting the town to make ropes for his army, and navy. In 1651, Charles II narrowly escaped capture her at Briport, just evading the pursuing Parliamentarian troops, after his forces were defeated at the battle of Worcester.

The town is very pleasing on the eye with narrow, cobbled alley-ways which today are testament to it's long and illustrious history. Bridport is as I stated earlier believed to be of of Saxon origin, and has always been an important market town, and these markets that have been a regular feature of life in Bridport for over a 1,000 years are still held to-day.  In Tudor times Elizabeth 1st, granted the town a Saturday market to encourage commercial activity and also gave the town three fairs, one still survivives in the form the town's annual carnival, held each August. The other two markets, are held each week. yes Briport holds not one but two weekly markets, with traditional stalls lining the wide main streets, both a testimony and legacy to the by-gone era.

West Bay is located one mile south of Bridport, West Bay also serves as the town's port, West Bay, is a growing holiday center and possesses fine sands, and a busy harbour, it's a vibrant village with some characteristic kiosks selling  ice cream fish and chips souviners excetra, fishing boat's offer fishing trips, or day trips, busy pubs and equally busy restaurants - West Bay is just the place for a bracing walk, quickly followed by a refreshing pint of best bitter, and a bite to eat, in one of the numerous afore  mentioned restaurants, Together along with Bridport, West Bay makes an ideal center for holiday-makers, walkers, swimmers, fishermen and all who come to enjoy painting, or photographing the varied and beautiful coastline. The views across Lyme Bay from the coastal path are particularly inspiring. The cliffs at West Bay are at 600 ft plus the highest on the south coast. The popular BBC program Habour-lights, which starred Nick Berry was filmed here, and viewers will of course recognize this as the town of Bridehaven. West Bay is situated at the western end of the Chesil Bank, and.this is where the jurassic coast begins. To learn more on Dorsets wonderful Jurassic Coast click on link on right of screen. Although universally accepted as the "Jurassic" coast the strata reveals 3 periods in the earths evolution, the much earlier period the Triassic period, then the jurassic period , and lastly the cretaceous Period. This area is so incredibly rich in fossils, that it attracts fossil hunters not only from this country but from other parts of the world. And oh yes and if you hear yourself being called a  grockel there is no cause for alarm it is just a West Country word that describes holiday-makers. I have been reliably informed it is not offensive !!!.

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