Home > Dorset > Bridport > Masons Arms Masons Arms
Date of photo: 2014
The Masons Arms was situated at 10 North Street. This grade-II listed pub was previously known as The Mouse and was unique in having in- and out-doors. Planning permission was granted for change of use from pub to office space in 1989 and then a Young Peoples Social Centre in 1994. Now no longer in use.
I am a Great, great grandson of William Bridle who Census records show was the publican of the Masons Arms in 1851,61 and 71 (I am told by local people that "the Mouse" was a nickname given to the pub rather than an official name) . Although I never drank in the pub my father did - this is an extract from his diary of a holiday in 1945 "A.M. Walk with Dad – Rax Lane; looked at the Mason’s Arms, once kept by great-grandparents Bridle; then up Victoria Grove, round Coneygar Hill and out onto Bradpole Road, across rly by the stn. and back across the fields to town. P.M. Bus to Gore Cross, 500yds n. of Bradpole, turned down to right and followed road round to West Milton; looked down on a charming estate at 932174; on through a lovely village (wonderful hills the whole of this walk) and to Powerstock, whence we returned by train. In the evening we visited Daisy who gave us the definite news of VE declaration; returned via the Mason’s Arms, where we had a VE day drink of beer for me, cider for Mary. Dad spent the evening at the “Ship”. Ham sandwich supper." My father was Charles Henry Jeffery (1918-1981) and his father Charles William Jeffery (1880-1975) was born in Bridport. The family lived in Southampton but regularly visited Bridport as indeed do I. I believe that William Bridle may have later been publican at the Shoeing Smith Arms in South Street.
David Jeffery (March 2018)
Listed building details:
Late C18. Red brick. Hammer dressed stone plinth. Hipped slate roof. C19 red brick stack. 2 storeys. 2 ranges of sashes with glazing bars ( 1 on ground floor replaced in C19). Modern door with blind semi-circular fanlight. Blind panel above. Rax Lane elevation (north has 2 ranges of sashes with glazing bars and 1 6-panel door with blind semi-circular fanlight.
Do you have any anecdotes, historical information, updates or photos of this pub? Become a contributor by submitting them here. Like this site? Follow us on Make email contact with other ex-customers and landlords of this pub by adding your details to this page.