Bridport is a market town in Dorset, England. It's around 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) inland from the English Channel near the confluence of the small River Brit and the Asker. Bridport incorporates a number of compact suburban districts, some of which had been distinct villages. One and a half miles from the town centre and inside the boundary of the town is West Bay, a small fishing harbour referred to as Bridport Harbour till the arrival of the railway. With reference to 2012 population estimates, the town has a population of about 14,697, which demonstrates a substantial increase from the approximately 13,568 as per during the 2011 Census. As outlined by council tax records, in 2014, the percentage of residences within Bridport's built-up area that were second homes was 4.8%. The town originated in the Saxon period and it boasts a lengthy history as a rope-making centre, although many of its buildings date back to the 18th century. During the twenty-first century, the arts scene in Bridport has contributed to the town becoming increasingly well-liked with those from outside the town. It has an arts centre, theatre, library, cinema and museum, and various annual events. The Lyric Theatre, which reopened in 2010, hosts quirky theatre, puppetry, comedy, clowning and music. It is also the base of children's theatre company Stuff and Nonsense. Bridport Museum, located in South Street, contains a comprehensive exhibition of the town's lengthy history of rope-making. The town also features as Port Bredy in the fictional Wessex of Thomas Hardy's novels. For all your home improvements, make certain that you pick reliable professionals in Bridport to make sure you get a good quality service.