West Bay (or Bridport Harbour), Bridport, Dorset

Fishing (mainly for mackerel, I presume) from the west pier.

For centuries the harbour was used for the export of ropes and nets, for which Bridport was famous: to the extent that the expression "Bridport dagger" became a euphemism for the hangman's noose.

West Bay was used in 1942 as a training ground for the unsuccessful Dieppe raid.

More recently, West Bay has acquired a good reputation for the quality of its fish restaurants.

The picturesque backdrop is of Chesil Beach and East Cliff. You may know this setting from the brooding ITV drama "Broadchurch", much of which was filmed here. And, for that matter, "Reggie Perrin" fans should recognise it too...


PS An American version of Broadchurch is shortly to appear on TV in the USA, renamed Gracepoint and with a changed ending. Is the original version thought to be too distressing for our transatlantic cousins to cope with?