19th century cemetery vandalism; Bridport net making

The history of Bridport has, literally, been tied up with rope and net making; and the expressions a 'Bridport Dagger' or a 'Bridport Necktie' were the 18th century criminal's slang for that particular piece of the town's produce that might await him on the scaffold.

WS Edwards, a Bridport ropemaker in 1887

Twentieth century Bridport saw the town's products ending up in more peaceful directions, such as football nets, seen here being made at Edward's in 1959 by the Croad brothers, Bill and Ron.

Football nets being made in Bridport

This picture is courtesy of Carole Dorran. Local nets have graced many an international and FA Cup Final.

We also have pictures of machines used in the net and rope making industry, courtesy of Bridport Museum.

Machines used in the net and rope making industry

Wilful damage at the cemetery

Bridport Cemetery today. It was opened in 1856.

A glimpse at the news from July 8, 1881 tells of 'Wilful damage at the cemetery'.

Just as acts of vandalism make the pages of the modern Bridport News, it seems as though back in the 19th century it was just as prevalent.

The article reads: "Last week it was discovered that a headstone erected on the consecrated side of the cemetery, to the memory of a family by the name of Hill, had been defaced, by some of the stone work being wilfully knocked off.

"The Burial Board have offered a reward of two guineas for the discovery of the perpetrators of this wanton act of mischief.

"Should there be a recurrence of this, we may rely on stringent measures being taken to prevent the ingress of young persons, but we are sure the Burial Board would be sorry to have to enforce harsh limits on the public to visit that beautiful site for the final resting-place of those who are near and dear to so many amongst us."