R J Balson & Son

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R J Balson & Son is a high-street butcher in the market town of Bridport, Dorset. According to the Institute for Family Business, it is the oldest continually trading family business in the United Kingdom. [1] It has been in the Balson family since 1515 [2] when Robert Balson rented a market stall on Bridport Shambles. [2]

Contents

Since 1892 its butcher's shop has been located at 9 West Allington, Bridport, [1] not far from its original location. [3]

It was featured in the BBC Four television programme Hidden Histories: Britain’s Oldest Family Businesses, broadcast on 15 January 2014. [2] [4]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "Dorset butchers is 'oldest family business in UK'". BBC News Dorset. 4 November 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 Waters, Florence (14 January 2014). "What keeps a family butcher in business for 500 years?". The Daily Telegraph . Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  3. "History". R J Balson & Son. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  4. Wallis, Lucy (15 January 2014). "Business tips from UK's oldest family firms". BBC News . Retrieved 15 January 2014.

50°44′03″N2°45′49″W / 50.73427°N 2.76348°W / 50.73427; -2.76348