RJ Balson and Son started life as a market stall in Bridport, Dorset, in 1515 - the year that Thomas Wolsey was made a cardinal during the reign of Henry VIII. Since then it has overcome two world wars, recessions, fires, food scares and more recently competition from supermarket chains. But half a millennium - and 26 generations - later, the butcher’s shop is still thriving and this month celebrated its 500th year of serving locals with sausages and bacon.