Monument record MDO20199 - Britside Tannery, 82 West Street, Bridport

The Britside Tannery was established in 1850-51 on part of what was known as 'Hempland' on the east side of the River Brit. It underwent expansion during the 1860s and 1870s to incorporated Nos. 82 and 84-86 West Street. The tannery continued in use until 1927 and was subsequently used as a hide and skin yard until 1947 when the buildings were demolished.

The Britside Tannery was established by Thomas Ewens Biddlecombe in 1850-51 on part of what was known as 'Hempland' on the east side of the River Brit. The tannery was expanded to the east in 1862. At this date, the western part of the tannery adjacent to the river was used as a hide and skin yard, while the eastern part housed the tan-pits and drying sheds with the bark ricks in the northwest part of the site. During the 1870s, the Biddlecombe took over the leases of the properties on West Street (No. 82 and Nos. 84-86) which flanked the entrance to the tannery and the row of workshops behind No. 82. In 1880 a steam engine was installed and in the 1920s a gas engine. William Biddlecombe took over the tannery from his father, until he became bankrupt in 1897 and the tannery was taken over by Richard Fawsitt. Tanning probably ceased on the site in 1927, but it continued to be used as a hide and skin yard until 1947, when the site was purchased by Bridport Borough Council and the buildings were demolished. (1)

The 1888-1930 Ordnance Survey maps show the layout of the tannery at this date, with little expansion of the buildings between these dates (2) (3) (4) (5). At the west end was a long L-shaped building housing the Liming Pits and Beam House, with the building containing the Tan Pits to the east with the Engine House attached on the northern side and the Drying Sheds along the southeast corner of the site.

<1> Sims, R, 1999, The Tanneries of Bridport (Monograph). SDO10561.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1887, Ordnance Survey 1887 Bridport 38. 10.6 (Map). SWX1321.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1890, Dorset Sheet XXXVIII.10 (Map). SDO10516.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1902, Dorset Sheet XXXVIII.10 (Map). SDO10517.

<5> Ordnance Survey, 1930, Dorset Sheet XXXVIII.10 (Map). SDO10518.

Record last edited

Aug 30 2024 11:20AM