BRIDPORT, municipal borough, Dorsetshire, England, 15m. W. of Dorchester on a branch of the G.W. railway. Pop. (1931) 5,917. It takes its name from the small river Brit. The main part of the town is about a mile from the sea, but is connected therewith by a winding street ending at the fishing village of West Bay.
Bridport was of some importance before the Conquest, when it consisted of 120 houses rated for all the king's services. The town is first mentioned as a borough in the Pipe Roll of 1189. Charters were granted in the 13th century and markets seem to have been held from the same time. It was incorporated by James I. in 1619, but Charles II. granted a new charter which held until 1835. As early as 1213 the town was noted for the manufacture of ropes and cables. The royal navy procured its hawsers, etc., from Bridport in the 16th century. At the present time sailcloth, cordage linen and fishing-nets are manufactured for export. There is some import trade in flax, timber and coal, but the harbour is accessible only to small vessels. The municipal borough is under a mayor, six aldermen and 18 councillors. Area 672 acres. It is included in the western division of the county of Dorset for purposes of parliamentary representation.