THE ROBERTS' TRAIL

An historic walking trail around Burton Bradstock

Burton Bradstock, on the river Bride, has its roots deep in the history of Dorset, dating from well before the Norman Conquest in 1066 and was well established in Roman times. The manor, originally known as Brideton, passed through many hands in the middle ages, ending up in the possession of the Pitt-Rivers family who held the Lordship until much of the village and surrounding farms were sold off in numerous lots in 1951 and 1558.

Since that date, the general character of the village has been transformed from the small and tightly-knit community of farmers, fishermen, flax spinners and home net makers to one with a large population of retired folk. The village, however, retains much of its old world charm and thatch as a result of the careful restoration, conversion and maintenance of the older properties and a mostly sensitive approach to the more recent housing developments.

The entrepreneur Richard Roberts, in the latter half of the 18^th century, probably did most to put Burton Bradstock on the map as he lived here whilst working to build up his country-wide, and eventually world-wide trade in flax and hemp based products. Many buildings and places in the village have associations with his life and work and these can be seen and enjoyed in a leisurely walk around the quiet back streets of this gentle place. This is best done with the aid of a pamphlet entitled " The Roberts' Trail" which gives a map and numbered guide to these and other sites of interest. This is available from the village Post Office, price £1.

See some pictures taken along the trail

Dave Barnikel - The Roberts' Trail

Historic walk and chat around Burton based on the Roberts' Trail