Circa 4 Jul 1843 ?, late in the evening, the village of Burton Bradstock, near Bridport, suffered one of the worst fires that had occurred in this part of the country. It burnt for much of the night, destroying 22 houses, along with other buildings and property. It is thought to have started at the Anchor Inn, in the High-street, where the landlord was a Mr. Phillips.

When discovered the back of the Inn was alight and soon burnt out. Most of the inhabitants were awake and helping to fight the fire, but having no fire engine their efforts were of little avail, and by midnight the flames had spread to a row of neighbouring cottages occupied by farm labourers and their families, and seemed likely to spread to the rest of the village.

Once news of fire reached Bridport, about 1 o'clock, the engines were dispatched to assist, and arrived at Burton about half past two, by which time 22 houses had been destroyed and the flames were progressing rapidly. Once the engines were brought into operation they succeeded in preventing the spread of the fire, and by 4 o'clock it was almost out.

It is understood that 28 families lost their homes, and not being insured were left pennyless and without a roof over their heads.

How the fire started is not known, but rumours are abroad that it may have been arson. Insurance companies have sustained losses in the region of �1,300, on the property of Lord Rivers.

Fortunately no lives lost.

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