Take a look back at Bridport Harbour's history from Smugglers' haunt to tourist destination
We're taking a look back at Bridport Harbour's history and how West Bay became to be the tourist destination it is today.
There was probably a harbour here in Saxon times, but many historians believe it was closer to Bridport, on the River Brit. The first written reference is from 1274.
There is no archaeological evidence, but it was probably built to shelter cargo ships in bad weather.
Records show that by 1446, the harbour was badly silted and money had to be collected for repairs. Boats unloaded goods onto the beach.
In 1740, an engineer called John Reynolds decided to build a new harbour for £3,500. Around £300,000 in today's money.
The improvements brought an increase in trade - mainly imports of flax and hemp and exports of rope, net and twine.
The harbour was also a favourite smugglers' haunt. It was here in 1805 that Jack Rattenbury, one of the most successful smugglers of his day, was captured.
From a Saxon shelter and smugglers' haunt, there were Atlantic crossings to Canada.
For several centuries, the West Country had strong connections with Newfoundland, now part of north east Canada.
Bridport families not only fished across the Atlantic, but many also emigrated there.
The fish from Newfoundland provided an important winter food source for many local people, and the trade flourished until the late 1800s.
The fish - mainly cod - was caught during the summer and then preserved in salt, which was stored in The Salt House, now a venue for community events.
Bridport also supplied the heavy cordage, nets and tackle that were used by the fishing fleet in Newfoundland.
Many Bridport families emigrated to Newfoundland during 1800s. Some were fishermen, but there were also farmers and unskilled labourers. Many were poor and looking for a better life.
Bridport Harbour's reputation as a tourist resort began with the railway, which changed the name of it to West Bay to make it sound more attractive to visitors.
The Bridport Railway Company opened its branch line from Maiden Newton, through Powerstock, to Bridport in 1857.
As well as passengers, the line was used to transport raw materials such as coal, flax and hemp and in 1884, the line was extended to Bridport.
However, with the decline in the popularity of railways, the West Bay line closed to passengers in 1930 and all traffic in 1962.
The entire Bridport line closed in 1975 - this was Dorset's last branch railway.
Despite this, West Bay remains a thriving holiday destination.
Thank you to Bridport Museum for the information and photos.
The museum reopens on Tuesday, December 8 - pay it a visit this winter.
You can find out more at bridportmuseum.co.uk
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