Bridport FC was established in 1885 and in their early years played in a variety of leagues: the Dorset League, South Dorset League, West Dorset League, and Perry Street League. They were the founding members of the Dorset Combination in 1957. They joined the Western Football League in 1961 where they played until the 1983/84 season when they resigned and their record was expunged. Taking their reserve side's place in the Dorset Combination, the club finished 3rd in 1984/85 and then went on to win the league three times in a row. Following the third title, Bridport was accepted back into the Western League, this time playing in Division One. A runners-up performance in 1993/94 allowed the club to return to the Premier Division, but an 11 year run in the top flight came to an end with relegation following the 2004/05 season. For the 2006-2007 season, they are once again playing in Division One. Ex Crystal Palace player Paul Hammond took over as manager from Kevin Donovan in the Summer of 2006 and led the club to a respectable mid table position. Boosted by a cash injection of nearly £250,000 in June 2007 from the Football Partnership which meant Bridport Football Club were able to plan major development of the dressing rooms and club house. All seemed set for the club to set about a real promotion push. However, on June 22nd 2007 manager Paul Hammond resigned. Ex reserve team manager Royston Davies, who Hammond sacked in October 2006, was appointed First Team manager on 30th June 2007. His assistant is long time player Mark Lock . They have reached the 4th round of the FA Vase twice and the 5th round once in their history. All three Vase runs came within a four year period from the 1987/88 season to the 1990/91 season.