Allington

Civil Parish in Dorset West Dorset

England

Allington

26 East Street, Bridport Grade II Listed building with 19th century front and 18th century rear section. An early photo shows the building with a sign reading Bridport Aeroplane Bank. Early in 1918 National War Bonds were sold by the Government to raise funds. Reportedly Bridport raised enough here to buy two squadrons. Kelly's 1911 and 1915 editions lists West Dorset Conservative Association and John William Brown organizing & registration agent at this address. Prior to the July 1945 elections Arthur Cowley local Conservative agent recently returned from service in the RAF, set up office here.  In the 1970s Wilfred Snook sold LPs, singles, televisions, radios etc from here. He was followed by Redifusion later taken over by Granada TV Rental. Around 1994 they were replaced by a clothes shop for a short while followed by Palmer Snell estate agents. It was then empty for a while and online searches show a dental practice here but it is now leased to the Weldmar Trust (possibly from 2016) and has flats above.
26 East Street, Bridport Credit: Jo and Steve Turner

Allington is a civil parish located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated approximately 2 miles east of the town of Bridport, Allington covers an area of about 3.5 square miles. The parish is primarily rural, encompassing picturesque countryside and a few scattered hamlets.

One of the notable features of Allington is its charming 13th-century church, dedicated to St. Swithun. The church is built in the Perpendicular style and boasts a beautiful tower, which is a prominent landmark in the area. The churchyard is also of historical interest, with several listed tombs and gravestones.

The parish is surrounded by the stunning countryside of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, who can enjoy walking, cycling, and exploring the numerous footpaths and bridleways that traverse the area.

The village of Allington itself is small and peaceful, with a few residential properties and a local pub. The community is close-knit, and residents take pride in maintaining the rural character of the parish. While there are limited amenities within the village, the nearby town of Bridport provides a range of services, including shops, schools, and leisure facilities.

Overall, Allington offers a tranquil and idyllic setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle or a base for exploring the beautiful Dorset countryside. Its historic church, natural surroundings, and friendly community make it a charming place to visit or call home.

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Allington Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.746349/-2.769093 or Grid Reference SY4594. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

26 East Street, Bridport Grade II Listed building with 19th century front and 18th century rear section. An early photo shows the building with a sign reading Bridport Aeroplane Bank. Early in 1918 National War Bonds were sold by the Government to raise funds. Reportedly Bridport raised enough here to buy two squadrons. Kelly's 1911 and 1915 editions lists West Dorset Conservative Association and John William Brown organizing & registration agent at this address. Prior to the July 1945 elections Arthur Cowley local Conservative agent recently returned from service in the RAF, set up office here.  In the 1970s Wilfred Snook sold LPs, singles, televisions, radios etc from here. He was followed by Redifusion later taken over by Granada TV Rental. Around 1994 they were replaced by a clothes shop for a short while followed by Palmer Snell estate agents. It was then empty for a while and online searches show a dental practice here but it is now leased to the Weldmar Trust (possibly from 2016) and has flats above.
26 East Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed building with 19th century front and 18th century rear section. An early photo shows the building with a sign reading Bridport Aeroplane Bank. Early in 1918 National War Bonds were sold by the Government to raise funds. Reportedly Bridport raised enough here to buy two squadrons. Kelly's 1911 and 1915 editions lists West Dorset Conservative Association and John William Brown organizing & registration agent at this address. Prior to the July 1945 elections Arthur Cowley local Conservative agent recently returned from service in the RAF, set up office here. In the 1970s Wilfred Snook sold LPs, singles, televisions, radios etc from here. He was followed by Redifusion later taken over by Granada TV Rental. Around 1994 they were replaced by a clothes shop for a short while followed by Palmer Snell estate agents. It was then empty for a while and online searches show a dental practice here but it is now leased to the Weldmar Trust (possibly from 2016) and has flats above.
28 East Street, Bridport Grade II Listed early to mid 19th century building. Former 332 sq m Barclays Bank that closed its doors on 29th March 2019. This was the site of the former Green Dragon pub that became a wagon office of the carrier Thomas Russell in 1781.  In 1852 Edward Flight (ca.1803-1871 the man behind Bridport’s railway) moved his legal practice to 28 East Street and rebuilt the former wagon office in the classical form we see today. Flight probably moved out after his fall from grace in 1863 when his properties were put up for auction. Prior to 1895 my directories don't have street numbers but Flight is listed in East Street in 1859 but not in 1889. After this, directories list a series of tailor's at this address, 1895 Alfred Knight, 1911 Edward Benham and 1915 Robert B Swaffield.
28 East Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed early to mid 19th century building. Former 332 sq m Barclays Bank that closed its doors on 29th March 2019. This was the site of the former Green Dragon pub that became a wagon office of the carrier Thomas Russell in 1781. In 1852 Edward Flight (ca.1803-1871 the man behind Bridport’s railway) moved his legal practice to 28 East Street and rebuilt the former wagon office in the classical form we see today. Flight probably moved out after his fall from grace in 1863 when his properties were put up for auction. Prior to 1895 my directories don't have street numbers but Flight is listed in East Street in 1859 but not in 1889. After this, directories list a series of tailor's at this address, 1895 Alfred Knight, 1911 Edward Benham and 1915 Robert B Swaffield.
Nantes solicitors, 36 East Street, Bridport Grade II Listed building dated 1847. Currently occupied by Nantes solicitors, consulting directories, they list, 1895 County Court Office (at Barrack Street in 1889) including Charles George Nantes (1850–1934) solicitor, registrar of county court, clerk to the commissioners of Bridport harbour, public notary & commissioner for oaths & coroner & clerk to the Bridport Railway Company. In 1911 and 1915, Still County Court Office, Charles George Nantes is described as registrar & high bailiff. It seems Nantes have been here in one form or another since the late 19th century?
Nantes solicitors, 36 East Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed building dated 1847. Currently occupied by Nantes solicitors, consulting directories, they list, 1895 County Court Office (at Barrack Street in 1889) including Charles George Nantes (1850–1934) solicitor, registrar of county court, clerk to the commissioners of Bridport harbour, public notary & commissioner for oaths & coroner & clerk to the Bridport Railway Company. In 1911 and 1915, Still County Court Office, Charles George Nantes is described as registrar & high bailiff. It seems Nantes have been here in one form or another since the late 19th century?
Former Literary and Scientific Institute, 51 East Street, Bridport Grade II* Listed building. The building was constructed in 1834-35 as a Mechanics Institute founded by Henry Warburton MP, for the education and training of Bridport’s young working men. By 1855 it was reconstituted as a Literary and Scientific Institute ‘to encourage the intellectual and moral improvement of all classes and the cultivation of Literature, Science and Art’. Bridport School of Art was established in 1865 and in 1883 the upstairs room was divided to provide permanent studios and lecture rooms for the Art school. 1922 to 1939 the building provided accommodation for a Men’s club. Post war the Red Cross used the upstairs as a depot and the ground floor was a reading room, a card room and a billiard room. Around 1950 the building was handed over to Dorset County Council. Between 1952 and 1997 the building served as the town’s public library that then left the building empty and neglected until it was declared unsafe and listed as ‘at risk’ in 2002. Established in 2009 Bridport Area Development Trust quickly focused on rescue of the building that was finally re-opened on 25th May 2018 by HRH the Prince of Wales. The building is now home to work and event spaces with high-tech communications.
Former Literary and Scientific Institute, 51 East Street, Bridport
Grade II* Listed building. The building was constructed in 1834-35 as a Mechanics Institute founded by Henry Warburton MP, for the education and training of Bridport’s young working men. By 1855 it was reconstituted as a Literary and Scientific Institute ‘to encourage the intellectual and moral improvement of all classes and the cultivation of Literature, Science and Art’. Bridport School of Art was established in 1865 and in 1883 the upstairs room was divided to provide permanent studios and lecture rooms for the Art school. 1922 to 1939 the building provided accommodation for a Men’s club. Post war the Red Cross used the upstairs as a depot and the ground floor was a reading room, a card room and a billiard room. Around 1950 the building was handed over to Dorset County Council. Between 1952 and 1997 the building served as the town’s public library that then left the building empty and neglected until it was declared unsafe and listed as ‘at risk’ in 2002. Established in 2009 Bridport Area Development Trust quickly focused on rescue of the building that was finally re-opened on 25th May 2018 by HRH the Prince of Wales. The building is now home to work and event spaces with high-tech communications.
United Reformed and Methodist Church, East Street, Bridport Grade II Listed church 1859 by Poulton and Woodman of Reading. The former Methodist church in South Street was sold and the Congregational church in East Street was chosen as the home for the new church partnership that came into existence as an Local Ecumenical Partnership on 10 November 1971. Over 2015-2018 the church was upgrade with improved heating, seating, available floor space and additional audio visual facilities for the Church and its ancillary buildings. At the same time the necessary upgrades to meet current Health and Safety obligations were carried out as well as meeting requirements for disability access and  fire safety.
United Reformed and Methodist Church, East Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed church 1859 by Poulton and Woodman of Reading. The former Methodist church in South Street was sold and the Congregational church in East Street was chosen as the home for the new church partnership that came into existence as an Local Ecumenical Partnership on 10 November 1971. Over 2015-2018 the church was upgrade with improved heating, seating, available floor space and additional audio visual facilities for the Church and its ancillary buildings. At the same time the necessary upgrades to meet current Health and Safety obligations were carried out as well as meeting requirements for disability access and fire safety.
Unitarian Chapel, 49 East Street, Bridport Grade II* Listed 1794 Unitarian Chapel. The elevation to Rax Lane was built as a school in 1840. Known as 'The Chapel In The Garden' the Unitarian website tells us that the chapel was built in 1798, on the site of the Crown Inn, by Thomas Collins Colfox. The garden at the front was the original graveyard.
Unitarian Chapel, 49 East Street, Bridport
Grade II* Listed 1794 Unitarian Chapel. The elevation to Rax Lane was built as a school in 1840. Known as 'The Chapel In The Garden' the Unitarian website tells us that the chapel was built in 1798, on the site of the Crown Inn, by Thomas Collins Colfox. The garden at the front was the original graveyard.
NatWest Bank, 22 East Street, Bridport Grade II Listed mid 19th century bank. The front shows evidence of carvings having been removed from the stonework and I find that Kelly's lists Lloyds Bank at 22 East Street in 1911-1915 and John Nicholls ironmonger in 1889-1895. Prior to this street numbers aren't available. It seems likely that the ashlar ground floor façade was added by Lloyds around 1890-1910 who probably also carried out internal layout changes as well.
NatWest Bank, 22 East Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed mid 19th century bank. The front shows evidence of carvings having been removed from the stonework and I find that Kelly's lists Lloyds Bank at 22 East Street in 1911-1915 and John Nicholls ironmonger in 1889-1895. Prior to this street numbers aren't available. It seems likely that the ashlar ground floor façade was added by Lloyds around 1890-1910 who probably also carried out internal layout changes as well.
The Old Court, 41 West Street, Bridport Grade II Listed building with 1844 datestone. Joseph Gundry and Co. Ltd. (manufacturers of fishing nets, lines and twines) was established in 1665 and are shown in directories at West Street since at least 1842 and presumably had the Court built. There is no evidence of power supply and it seems that the building was probably a warehouse, workshops or office. Certainly in 1766 an insurance valuation describes him as a twine spinner, sailcloth maker, maltster and brewer and shows utensils and stock of hemp and flax in his warehouse near West Mill, probably the previous building shown here on early maps. In 1963 united with Bridport Industries Ltd. they became Bridport-Gundry Ltd at the same time extending the Court Works northwards. Amsafe seems to have grown from Bridport-Gundry in 1979 and certainly latterly used the 'Old Court' as offices. Amsafe stopped using the building in October 2010 and it was reported that 'Bridport Antiques 15 months refurbishment of the Old Court in West Street was completed for the opening in April 2017'. Sales particulars for the flats tell us they were 'converted to a very high standard by Lighthouse Land and Developers Ltd in 2017'.
The Old Court, 41 West Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed building with 1844 datestone. Joseph Gundry and Co. Ltd. (manufacturers of fishing nets, lines and twines) was established in 1665 and are shown in directories at West Street since at least 1842 and presumably had the Court built. There is no evidence of power supply and it seems that the building was probably a warehouse, workshops or office. Certainly in 1766 an insurance valuation describes him as a twine spinner, sailcloth maker, maltster and brewer and shows utensils and stock of hemp and flax in his warehouse near West Mill, probably the previous building shown here on early maps. In 1963 united with Bridport Industries Ltd. they became Bridport-Gundry Ltd at the same time extending the Court Works northwards. Amsafe seems to have grown from Bridport-Gundry in 1979 and certainly latterly used the 'Old Court' as offices. Amsafe stopped using the building in October 2010 and it was reported that 'Bridport Antiques 15 months refurbishment of the Old Court in West Street was completed for the opening in April 2017'. Sales particulars for the flats tell us they were 'converted to a very high standard by Lighthouse Land and Developers Ltd in 2017'.
The Market House, 17 West Street, Bridport Early to mid 19th century Grade II Listed building previously the Royal Oak. Palmers brewery renamed the pub after refurbishment around 2010. A previous Market House pub existed in East Street, now demolished. Directories list the following landlords, 1842-1844 John Smith, 1851-1852 Ann Smith, 1855-1875 Thomas James Smith, 1889-1895 George Smith and 1911-1915 Frederick Norris. Before becoming the Royal Oak it was known as Three Boars’ Heads suggesting it was built well before 1842 or existed as a previous building possibly changing its name when rebuilt?
The Market House, 17 West Street, Bridport
Early to mid 19th century Grade II Listed building previously the Royal Oak. Palmers brewery renamed the pub after refurbishment around 2010. A previous Market House pub existed in East Street, now demolished. Directories list the following landlords, 1842-1844 John Smith, 1851-1852 Ann Smith, 1855-1875 Thomas James Smith, 1889-1895 George Smith and 1911-1915 Frederick Norris. Before becoming the Royal Oak it was known as Three Boars’ Heads suggesting it was built well before 1842 or existed as a previous building possibly changing its name when rebuilt?
11 West Street, Bridport Grade II Listed 18th century building. Now apparently part of the TSB bank next door, all I can determine was that 1911-1915 it was the private residence of Walter Daniel Aldridge.
11 West Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed 18th century building. Now apparently part of the TSB bank next door, all I can determine was that 1911-1915 it was the private residence of Walter Daniel Aldridge.
TSB Bank, 9 West Street, Bridport Grade II Listed mid 19th century bank. It is interesting that R & H Williams is inscribed over the door as R & R Williams, Thornton, Sykes & Co., established 1786 in Dorchester, was taken over by the Wilts & Dorset Banking Company in 1897 who were taken over by Lloyds in 1914. In 1995 Lloyds merged with the Trustee Savings Bank and traded as Lloyds TSB Bank plc between 1999 and 2013. From directories, 1842-1844 the only bank on West Street is Williams, Cox & Co. (draw on Williams, Deacon & Co. London) but in 1851 Robert & Herbert Williams, also drawing on Williams, Deacon & Co. By 1855 it is listed as Dorchester Old Bank (branch), Robert & Herbert Williams but in 1889 Dorchester Old Bank & Dorsetshire Bank (R & R Williams & Co.)   In 1911 not surprisingly it is listed as Wilts & Dorset and in 1915 Lloyds Bank Limited (Wilts & Dorset Bank branch). The banks Lloyds' archive have listed is R & R Williams and Wilts & Dorset, no R & H. If R & R was established in 1786 why is it not mentioned until 1889? Did R & R take over R & H 1855-1889? However this all suggests that 9 West Street was built by R & H between 1844 and 1851. 7 and 11 either side of the bank are of very similar design to each other and I wonder if No.9 is a mid 19th century alteration on what was an 18th century building.
TSB Bank, 9 West Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed mid 19th century bank. It is interesting that R & H Williams is inscribed over the door as R & R Williams, Thornton, Sykes & Co., established 1786 in Dorchester, was taken over by the Wilts & Dorset Banking Company in 1897 who were taken over by Lloyds in 1914. In 1995 Lloyds merged with the Trustee Savings Bank and traded as Lloyds TSB Bank plc between 1999 and 2013. From directories, 1842-1844 the only bank on West Street is Williams, Cox & Co. (draw on Williams, Deacon & Co. London) but in 1851 Robert & Herbert Williams, also drawing on Williams, Deacon & Co. By 1855 it is listed as Dorchester Old Bank (branch), Robert & Herbert Williams but in 1889 Dorchester Old Bank & Dorsetshire Bank (R & R Williams & Co.) In 1911 not surprisingly it is listed as Wilts & Dorset and in 1915 Lloyds Bank Limited (Wilts & Dorset Bank branch). The banks Lloyds' archive have listed is R & R Williams and Wilts & Dorset, no R & H. If R & R was established in 1786 why is it not mentioned until 1889? Did R & R take over R & H 1855-1889? However this all suggests that 9 West Street was built by R & H between 1844 and 1851. 7 and 11 either side of the bank are of very similar design to each other and I wonder if No.9 is a mid 19th century alteration on what was an 18th century building.
Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport Grade II Listed former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. 1838 built by Charles and Joseph Galpin of Bridport. Timothy Connor, in his book on Joseph Galpin and late Georgian Architecture in West Dorset, tells us that both Joseph and Charles submitted drawings for the chapel and the two houses in front. He claims it was built to Joseph's plan but with an ionic portico and that there is no evidence of another architect being employed. Galpin's drawing is very similar to the final building but lower, possibly single storey? James Wilson of Bath quoted in the listing as architect carried out alterations to the façade in 1861-72. Wesleyan Methodism was established in Bridport in 1808 at a house in North Street (then Pig Lane). When the United Reformed and Methodist Church came together the Congregational church in East Street was chosen as the home for the new church partnership that came into existence as a Local Ecumenical Partnership on 10 November 1971. The site was bought in May 1973 by The Bridport and District Arts Society, for use as a rehearsal and meeting space. The Chapel, now known as the Marlow Theatre, underwent an extensive refurbishment project in 2016.
Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. 1838 built by Charles and Joseph Galpin of Bridport. Timothy Connor, in his book on Joseph Galpin and late Georgian Architecture in West Dorset, tells us that both Joseph and Charles submitted drawings for the chapel and the two houses in front. He claims it was built to Joseph's plan but with an ionic portico and that there is no evidence of another architect being employed. Galpin's drawing is very similar to the final building but lower, possibly single storey? James Wilson of Bath quoted in the listing as architect carried out alterations to the façade in 1861-72. Wesleyan Methodism was established in Bridport in 1808 at a house in North Street (then Pig Lane). When the United Reformed and Methodist Church came together the Congregational church in East Street was chosen as the home for the new church partnership that came into existence as a Local Ecumenical Partnership on 10 November 1971. The site was bought in May 1973 by The Bridport and District Arts Society, for use as a rehearsal and meeting space. The Chapel, now known as the Marlow Theatre, underwent an extensive refurbishment project in 2016.
Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport Grade II Listed former Electric Palace and opera house, with pair of shops to front. 1926 for the Palmer brewing family. The front areas of seating are little altered and provide a rare example of a 1920s' cinema. It has full stage facilities with dressing rooms, curtains and clock for the opera the Palmers wanted to bring to Dorset. Designed by local architects Frederick Cooper & Sons, it opened on June 14th 1926 with Gloria Swanson in "Madame Sans Gene" and was named The New Electric Palace (The original 1912 Electric Palace was in Barrack Street). Local brewery sign writer George Biles designed and painted a collection of “art deco” style murals in the foyer, stairs and landing in 1936. During the 1940s the name was changed to Palace Cinema operated by Dorchester Cinema Company. It was then taken over by Miles Byrne group followed by Reeltime Entertainment in 1992 when improvements were made. It was operated almost continuously from 1926 but closed its doors in 1999 only to reopen in 2007. It has recently undergone extensive renovation improving the structural integrity of the building, additionally the cinema technology, stage equipment and other facilities have been brought up to date.
Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport
Grade II Listed former Electric Palace and opera house, with pair of shops to front. 1926 for the Palmer brewing family. The front areas of seating are little altered and provide a rare example of a 1920s' cinema. It has full stage facilities with dressing rooms, curtains and clock for the opera the Palmers wanted to bring to Dorset. Designed by local architects Frederick Cooper & Sons, it opened on June 14th 1926 with Gloria Swanson in "Madame Sans Gene" and was named The New Electric Palace (The original 1912 Electric Palace was in Barrack Street). Local brewery sign writer George Biles designed and painted a collection of “art deco” style murals in the foyer, stairs and landing in 1936. During the 1940s the name was changed to Palace Cinema operated by Dorchester Cinema Company. It was then taken over by Miles Byrne group followed by Reeltime Entertainment in 1992 when improvements were made. It was operated almost continuously from 1926 but closed its doors in 1999 only to reopen in 2007. It has recently undergone extensive renovation improving the structural integrity of the building, additionally the cinema technology, stage equipment and other facilities have been brought up to date.
Busy West Street, Bridport The Town Hall with its clock standing at 3 o'clock. Dating from 1786 the architect was William Tyler, one of the original 40 members of the Royal Accademy and architect of Dorset County Gaol.
Busy West Street, Bridport
The Town Hall with its clock standing at 3 o'clock. Dating from 1786 the architect was William Tyler, one of the original 40 members of the Royal Accademy and architect of Dorset County Gaol.
Carpark at Lidl Supermarket
Carpark at Lidl Supermarket
The Electric Palace, Bridport The cinema dates back to 1926 and still functions as a 'performance art theatre' with shops in front and the auditorium behind the early art deco facade.
The Electric Palace, Bridport
The cinema dates back to 1926 and still functions as a 'performance art theatre' with shops in front and the auditorium behind the early art deco facade.
Bridport Borough Garden A fine and tranquil space behind the shops and facades of South Street.
The Georgian property is Whetham House, now flats.
Bridport Borough Garden
A fine and tranquil space behind the shops and facades of South Street. The Georgian property is Whetham House, now flats.
Wykes Court car park, Bridport Situated to the north of the town centre.
Wykes Court car park, Bridport
Situated to the north of the town centre.
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Allington is located at Grid Ref: SY4594 (Lat: 50.746349, Lng: -2.769093)

Administrative County: Dorset

District: West Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///transmits.sobbed.plums. Near Bridport, Dorset

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