Diamond In The Rough

Often overlooked in favour of its more illustrious neighbours, Bridgwater has a wealth of riches too, just waiting to be discovered.

- Laurence McJannet

DON’T let Bridgwater fool you. A casual observer might dismiss the place as another industrialised former market town stripped of character and charm. But you only need to wander into the heart of this thriving community on the banks of the River Parrett to discover evidence of its former glory and to realise how vital a place it is. From a distance, a clue to its fascinating history points skyward. The spire of the 14-century Church of St Mary, on which site a place of worship has stood for almost 1,000 years, can be seen for miles around and hints at historic hidden gems to be found within the town walls.

SITTING PRETTY 

Situated on the edge of the Somerset Levels, south of the Mendips and east of the Quantock Hills, Bridgwater is surrounded by verdant countryside. It is best known for its annual carnival, but has so much more to offer than the 400-year-old event that has come to define it. For although this vibrant illuminated procession, claimed to be the biggest in Europe, steals the show each autumn, once the music and lights have faded and thousands of revellers have departed, there is plenty to be found here that exudes a more subtle radiance. A 14th-century screen work in St Mary’s Church, traces of wattle and daub in ancient buildings like the vicarage, fine Georgian architecture around Castle Street or a painting rescued from a 17th-century Spanish galleon; these are just some of the secrets that an exploration of the town will reveal.

Many of the street names hint at its Medieval past, when a castle and walled fortifications dominated Bridgwater. Castle Moat, King Square, Northgate and Queen Street can all be found in what is now the most pleasant district, on the west bank of the river, but all hark back to a darker time when Bridgwater lay besieged.