Little known records of Bridport Fraternities made into new book

new book about Bridport’s history has just been published. It describes the work of the Fraternities (or Guilds) in Bridport. They were like modern clubs or societies, and they played an important part in life during the later Middle Ages. Little is known about them, as few records survive, but documents in the Bridport Borough Archives throw rare light on their activities in the town.

The Fraternities raised money for the local churches, and put on social events for their members, provided welfare for members who were sick and unable to work, and arranged for a suitable funeral when they died. The surviving membership lists show there were members with Bridport surnames still familiar today.

AThe original documents, preserved in Dorset History Centre, are written in a mixture of Latin and old English, and the old handwriting is difficult to decipher. They have been transcribed into modern typeface in the book, making them easy to read.

The documents form part of the Bridport Borough Archive held at the Dorset History Centre. This impressive collection consists of over a thousand items, dating from the thirteenth to the twentieth century. The documents contained in the archive relate to a wide range of activities, including law enforcement, the administration of justice, local government, religious life, trade and industry and the buying and selling of land and houses. Bridport is indeed fortunate that such a rich source of historical material has survived and is available to those studying the past of this interesting town.

Dorset Record Society is a registered charity. Any profits from books sales go into publication of future volumes. Records of Bridport Fraternities 1271-1530, edited by Antony Wilsdon, published by Dorset Record Society. The book includes a brief history of mediaeval Bridport, with a map for easy reference. Available from The Book Shop in South Street, Bridport, price £15.