Quirky Bridport book launch event held at Bridport Museum

Tegwyn Jones, 71, has collated 80 illustrated stories in Quirky Bridport, which captures some of the more offbeat people, places and events in the town. 

READ MORE: Tegwyn Jones publishes new book on quirkiness of Bridport

It was launched on Sunday, October 28 at an event at Bridport Museum, attended by Bridport Mayor Anne Rickard, museum trustees and volunteers, and many others who had supported the project, provided photos or other help.

The book includes stories about people like Albert Balson, the Antarctic explorer, Walter Powell the Ballooning MP, Ethelbert Holborow the DIY sailor, and events such as an exorcism of the A35, a 1755 Tsunami and a town hat festival.

Tegwyn Jones with a copy of his book Quirky Bridport (Image: Tegwyn Jones) Each episode is illustrated by a photo or contemporary picture.

Mr Jones, a volunteer at Bridport Museum, said: “It's been a fascinating exercise, inspired by a similar book on offbeat Paris. I found plenty of great stories in the museum archives, the library and local papers; many more than I needed for this book.

"Bridport has a seemingly endless capacity to produce wonderful characters and quirky events. In the end I had to cut the number of stories down to fit into a paperback."

After moving to Bridport five years ago, Mr Jones has since immersed himself in local history and has previously published a booklet listing the names of all the pubs in Bridport and where they were.Front cover of Quirky Bridport book (Image: Tegwyn Jones) The popularity of the booklet, Boozy Bridport, inspired Mr Jones to write another book about the town to entertain both locals and visitors, while raising funds for the museum. 

READ MORE: Bridport Museum releases booklet on history of pubs

Emma Squire, chair of museum trustees, said: “Like all museums, we are always looking at new ways to engage with local people and visitors about the heritage of the town and our area.

"This book, Quirky Bridport, is part of that effort. This launch is at an ideal time, hopefully it will appeal to the Christmas gift market. It's a great way to support the museum and find out more about the town's fascinating history.”  

Quirky Bridport is available to buy from the shop in Bridport Museum, South Street for £14.90. It is hoped that it will be stocked by other shops in the town in due course.