R J Balson & Son

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 continuously 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]

Since 1892 its butcher's shop has been located at 9 West Allington, Bridport,[1][3] not far from its original location.[4]

It was featured in the BBC Four television programme Hidden Histories: Britain’s Oldest Family Businesses, broadcast on 15 January 2014.[2][5]

In September 2015, the business celebrated its 500th anniversary[6] and in 2025, its 510th anniversary.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Dorset butchers is 'oldest family business in UK'". BBC News Dorset. 4 November 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Waters, Florence (14 January 2014). "What keeps a family butcher in business for 500 years?". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  3. ^ Welch, Lottie (18 September 2020). "Britain's oldest family business marks another milestone". Dorset Echo. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  4. ^ "History". R J Balson & Son. Archived from the original on 28 January 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  5. ^ Wallis, Lucy (15 January 2014). "Business tips from UK's oldest family firms". BBC News. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  6. ^ "Britain's oldest family business RJ Balson running since Tudor days". The Telegraph. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  7. ^ Couzens, Jo; Kille-Smith, Harry (11 October 2025). "Secret Dorset: The 510-year-old butchers' claim to Mary Rose fame". BBC News. Retrieved 17 October 2025.

50°44′03″N 2°45′49″W / 50.73427°N 2.76348°W / 50.73427; -2.76348

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