Charmouth in the year 1953

THE WEB FRESHFORD SITE
These images are from "The Bridport Rural District Official Guide". It contains a wealth of information on the area around Bridport and is especially detailed about Charmouth, with a number of adverts pertaining to the village. The photographer, Claud Hider of Bridport who had produced some of the finest postcards of Charmouth from 1922 was used to illustrate the booklet and must of been one of his last jobs as he was to die the following year. It records that W.J. Dampier who ran the Charmouth Stores was the Rural District Councillor and the population was 719 for the year 1931, a number that has doubled since then.
I have included some slightly later photographs taken by Hider`s successer- Herbert Pinn of the shops on the south of The Street as well.
The Street in 1953, showing Thompsons, a General draper and Outfitter on the corner where the Post Office is today
The Street in 1953, showing Gear Garage on the right. The building on the corner of Lower sea Lane was Bragg`s General Store, where the Pharmacy is today.
A Meet outside the Coach and Horses, which has long since closed and is now appartments.
The Village Recreation Ground at the rear of The Street in 1953