Loders

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Loders is a village in south west Dorset, England, two miles north east of Bridport. The village has a population of 502 (2001). It is a linear village, sitting in a long valley between Waddon Hill and Boarsbarrow Hill, following the road between Bradpole and Askerswell, with another road parallel to the river Asker. The geography of the area is clearly important to both the layout of the village, and to its identity. For instance, the logo of the village's primary school is the outline of the school superimposed over the distinctive outline of Boarsbarrow Hill.

The village is made up from three areas. In the east is Uploders which has its own public house, "the Crown", and a Chapel.

To the west of Uploders and separated from it by a few fields is Yondover. The village playing field and two farms are located in this area. It is also where the village road crosses the River Asker.

Travelling westwards beyond Yondover is Lower Loders, the change being close to where the old Maiden Newton to Bridport branch line crosses the village road. Lower Loders, most notably has a public house, "The Loders Arms", a church, a village hall, several farms, and a primary school.

Lower Loders is now generally referred to simply as Loders.

Loders used to have a railway line. This passed through the village but there was never a station. The railway line has been in disuse for many years, since the closing of the Bridport to Maiden Newton branch line in 1975. However some features are still visible, most prominently, there are two bridges, one of which must be passed under to get from one end of the village to the other.

For its small size, it is a relatively popular location for holiday-home owners.

Loders is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Lodres.

Johnny Coppin's Westcountry Christmas album inlcudes a song called Song for Loders, which mentions many places around the area, including Eggerton, Askerswell and Muckleford, amongst others.

When frost lies thick on Egerton

And every pool begins to freeze

From Muckleford to Nettle Coombe

And hills are hung with sparkling trees

Then to Loders we must go

Before the world is drowned in snow