Monument record MDO20145 - Rendall and Coombs Works, 13 West Allington, Bridport

John Rendall produced woven goods at 13 West Allington from 1815. After the formation of Rendall and Coombs in 1849 it became their offices and braiding shop as their works expanded over other sites further to the west on West Allington. The works were originally confined to the western part of the site behind the street frontage but during the second half of the 19th century new buildings were constructed including a large building in the southern part of the site. After the formation of Bridport Gundry Ltd in 1947, the buildings were demolished and new offices built. The works closed in 1970.

John Rendall produced woven goods at 13 West Allington from 1815 (1). The 1840 Allington Tithe map lists John Rendall as owner and occupier of a ‘House, Warehouse, Garden etc’ at 13 West Allington (2). Rendall & Coombs were formed in 1849 following the retirement of John Rendall and the site at 13 West Allington became their offices and braiding shop as their works expanded over other sites further to the west on West Allington. (1) (3)

The 1840 Tithe map shows the works were originally confined to the western part of the site behind the street frontage (2). The 1890 Ordnance Survey 25-inch map shows that the site had been significantly developed since 1840 with the construction of several buildings behind the frontage and a building towards the southern end. To the south of this large building, were a series of other small buildings and an open ropewalk. (4) (5)

After the formation of Bridport Gundry Ltd in 1947, the buildings were demolished and new offices built. This was the head office of Bridport Gundry. The works closed in 1970. (1) (3)

<1> Sims, R, 2006, The Rope, Net and Twine Industry of Bridport. 2) Factory Mills (Monograph). SDO10541.

<2> Martin, J, 1840, Map of the Parish of Allington in the County of Dorset, plot 9 (Map). SDO10508.

<3> Bone, M R, 1985, 'The Bridport Flax and Hemp Industry' Bristol Industrial Archaeological Society Journal, 28-29 (Article in serial). SWX1452.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1890, Dorset Sheet XXXVIII.10 (Map). SDO10516.

<5> Ordnance Survey, 1888, Dorset Sheet XXXVIII.9.5 (Map). SDO10552.

Record last edited

Aug 30 2024 11:19AM