R J Balson & Son

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Butchers premises in Bridport seen from across the road

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. "Dorset butchers is 'oldest family business in UK'". BBC News Dorset. 4 November 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  2. 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