Monument record MWX220 - Pelican Works, Folly Mill Lane, Bridport

The Pelican Works on Folly Mill Lane were constructed in the mid-1860s for H E Hounsell as a net and twine factory. The works continued in operation until about 1947. The works have been completely demolished.

The Pelican Works on the south side of Folly Mill Lane was a netmaking factory built in the mid 1860s for Herbert E Hounsell (1). A valuation of 1882 described the works as ‘… a large galvanised Iron Braiding Shop, Mechanics’ Shop with a Smith’s forge, Bellows, Lathe, etc. Chimney shaft about 30ft high, Furnace Room for tanning, Drying loft, Casting room, Lay room, Engine room, 10 horse power fixed Engine and boiler, Boiler room, Coal store and workshops. Also a Finishing room, drying ground, Yard, etc together about one third of an acre’ (2) The drying ground lay on the north side of the lane opposite the works (3).

After 1913, H E Hounsell amalgamated with a number of other firms to form Hounsells (Bridport) Ltd. The Pelican Works continued to produce nets on hand-operated Jumper looms until about 1947, after the formation of Bridport Industries (1) (4). The works have been demolished and nothing survives on the site.

<1> Sims, R, 1998, The Mills of Bridport (Monograph). SDO10535.

<2> Bone, M R, 1985, 'The Bridport Flax and Hemp Industry' Bristol Industrial Archaeological Society Journal, 28 (Article in serial). SWX1452.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1887, Ordnance Survey 1887 Bridport 38. 10.6 (Map). SWX1321.

<4> Martin, C, 2003, The Bridport Trade. Rope & Net : Hemp & Flax (Monograph). SDO10501.

<5> Royal Commission on Historic Monuments, Externally held archive: RCH01/063 South West Textile Mills Project (Unpublished document). SDO17323.

<6> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1305667 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Dec 19 2022 7:10PM