R J Balson & Son
Butcher in Dorset, England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]