190 BRIDPORT HARBOUR. 



the coast from Abbotsbury to Sidmouth is an inset plan of 

 our harbour as it was when Lieut. Murdoch Mackenzie R.N., 

 then chief maritime surveyor to the Admiralty, charted the 

 district in the year 1787. The Hydrographer also kindly 

 permitted me to examine the original pen and ink and water 

 colour drawing from which the naval charts were printed, 

 and a photograph of the plan upon the survey of 1787 is here 

 reproduced on a slightly smaller scale. This plan is especially 

 desirable in that it affords a view of the 1740 undertaking 

 before it was altered by the lengthening of the east pier in 

 1807-16. 



Among the archives at Bridport is a small book containing 

 memoranda as to the lands owned by the bailiffs and burgesses 

 between 1758 and 1784, and, as might be anticipated, the 

 entries occasionally refer to the newly acquired property at 

 the harbour. Some extracts are appended ; 



1766. The Corporation agreed to build a chamber over the south 

 cellar, and a stable at the end thereof for twelve horses, at the 

 Sea House. A lease to John Jacobs for seven years at 9 p. a., 

 the tenant paying window tax. 



1775. The rent of Sea House to be 13 p. a. 



Andrew Warren being appointed Harbour Master it is agreed 

 that rules shall be drawn up and signed by the gentlemen of the 

 Corporation for the better management of the business of the 

 harbour. 



1778. Agreed that the west pier be planked, and the piles of the east 

 pier driven and planked. 



Agreed that proper regulations be thought of at some future 

 meeting respecting the vessels coming in and going out. It is 

 the opinion of the gentlemen now present that the intended 

 warehouse at the harbour ought to be built with Banton stone, 

 and that the dimensions be 70 by 30 ; the roof to be double and 

 covered with Banton or Purbeck stone. 



1780. Agreed that Thos. Swaine shall have the offer of the house at 

 the sea for 21 p. a., he undertaking the drawing of the hatches, 

 for which he is to be allowed 5 guineas p. a. 



1781. Thos. Swayne shall give a bond for the due execution of his 

 office, and to let no person go out of the harbour without paying 

 customary dues. 



