Monument record MDO20143 - Magdalen Works, West Allington, Bridport

A rope and net manufacturing works, formerly with bleaching works to the south adjacent to the river. It was in use from about 1830 until the mid-1960s. Originally it was the premises of Thomas Ewens & Co, later becoming the premises of William James and subsequently becoming part of Bridport Industries Ltd. The site of the works was largely cleared for the Dreadnought Trading Estate, but parts of a late 19th century red brick ropewalk survive, together with an early 20th century ropewalk building.

A rope and net manufacturing works originally the premises of Thomas Ewens & Co., listed in directories in West Allington from 1830. From 1888 it became the premises of William James’ net-making business, subsequently becoming part of Bridport Industries Ltd in 1947. (1) (2) Thomas Ewens is described in the trade directories as a manufacturer of line, twine, shoethread, nets, fishing nets, canvas and sail cloth. Also Flax and Tow spinners (3). The 1840 Allington Tithe Map and Apportionment lists the Thomas Ewens as owner and occupier of the site described as a ‘Warehouse, Yard, Barton & Bookinghouse’ (4). The tithe map shows a building (perhaps the warehouse) on the west side of Magdalen Lane and on the east side of the lane a large area of pasture with a group of buildings at the southern end, adjacent to the river. These buildings are likely to be the bleaching buildings and barton. In the late 1860s a line walk and braiding shop were built (2). Sale particulars of 1882 refer to a warehouse and three cottages on the west of Magdalen Lane, a large comparatively new warehouse standing opposite and a new spinning shed 250ft long with bleaching buildings and ground (1). The works continued in use until the mid-1960s, when the site was largely cleared and the Dreadnought Trading Estate established. Parts of a late 19th century red brick ropewalk survive to the north and a probable early 20th century ropewalk building survives to the south.

Record last edited

May 21 2008 9:22AM