To mark Refugee Week 2021 - June 14 to 12 - chairman of Bridport Museum, Professor Karen Hunt has been taking an in-depth look at Bridport's history of welcoming and supporting refugees.

During the First World War, the town welcomed Belgian Refugees. Many of them had lost everything and few could speak English. Bridport provided furnished accommodation, food and financial support. Many Bridport people - women, men, children, workers as well as employers - were energetic fundraisers.

Donations of food and money were given from all ranks of society including girls working in the local netting warehouses. There was even a little dog that walked around with its own donation box.

In 1914 no-one knew how long this offer of hospitality would be needed. In the end, most of the refugees were unable to return home until 1919. Despite the privations of the home front, Bridport people continued to give practical support to the Belgians living amongst them. Bridport was remembered by many of them as a beacon of kindness and generosity at a terrible time.

Women were at the forefront of the fundraising efforts. In 1918 the King of the Belgians awarded a medal to Tryphena Cornick in recognition of the town's generous response. She had been Bridport's mayoress at the outbreak of the war and drew together a committee of women who undertook the practical work of fundraising and translating the money and goods given into practical and sustained support for the refugees. She was one of only seven women in Dorset honoured with this medal.

Bridport Museum is hoping to track it down - can anyone help?

Delve deeper into Karen's research on the museum's website.

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