Nostalgic memories of Bridport's local history

Share your own memories of Bridport and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 30 in total

I was sent to the convent after my Father died in 1953. My Uncle had been educated there many years previously. I can confirm the recollections that have been put here of the vicious way in which some of the Nuns treated us. I suffered from the effects of whooping cough and regularly put into a separate room to recuperate. I vividly remember one of the Nuns telling me that I was wicked because I had been ...see more
I was a pupil at this convent between 1961 and 67 and i remmeber getting beaten by sister ann on several occassions i think this must off been because my parents wher off cypriot origin and i had a greek surname if anyone whent to this convent during those years it would be nice to hear from you
I was a boarder at the convent. I started in the Autumn term before my 5th birthday and remember being put to bed in a large dormitory on the top floor, full of other children with a cubicle for a nun to sleep in. I was scared and crying when the nun decided that smacking me would stop me from crying. Strange that being smacked or caned or being hit with a rod or a ruler feature so strongly in ...see more
I joined the convent in 1967 and was the only black later joined by Leslie Philips from the Carribean. I am from Uganda and my dad was studying architecture at the AA. First day at school was horrific. I was punched and called names like any newcomer. By the second term I settled in my best buddies were Martin Pike whose family ran a 600 acre farm. Nicholas Nickleby was a good friend ...see more
I was enrolled was in 1969,we where only 2 Africans in the school.My best friends where Nicholas and Alan.Excursion where a very exciting time and the Mother Superior would put the fear of God in you just by looking at you.During football training i scored such a spectacular that the next day the father choose me for school team.In my 1st debut for the team,i was brought in the 2nd half when we where 1-2 down,i ...see more
I went to the convent in 1960 as a day pupil, as I was left handed and a non catholic sister Mary Christine took great pleasure in hitting me constantly with a ruler to beat all that terrible sin out of a 4 year old! Luckily I left at 8 because we moved but I would love to hear from anyone who was there at the same time and has memories of little African children who must have been in the boarding part of the ...see more
hi i went to colfox school i was in class i-t ,i was at burton bradstock school for abit, parents move to yeovil in 1970
I was at the convent 1955 and loved it ,the nuns the wagon wheel's at teatime and even the walks .Gave me great emotional strength for the rest of my life and sister Magdalene was not that bad!! my favourite was sister Ann ,then sister Edith.If anybody remembers a le french boy i walked around with i would be a very happy bunny indeed if you could let me know!!
The first half of the building with dormer windows (from the left of the picture) and where the Job Centre is situated today, was a Temperance Hotel. Bridport had over 60 public houses at the turn of the twentieth century and nine active Temperance societies. The Bridport 'Coffee Company', offering an alternative drink to beer for working people was situated where WH Smith is today. The Temperance Hotel (and ...see more
I was chosen to pump the organ's air reservoir and used to amuse myself by letting the reservoir get very low, this did happen once and the organ started to fade - for which I was caned.