Other current and historical names
Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Bridgwater within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Bridgwater, par., mun. bor., and seaport, W. Somerset, on river Parret, 12 miles from the Bristol Channel, 28½ SW. of Bristol, and 152 SW. of London by rail -- par., 3539 ac., pop. 12,704; bor., 705 ac., pop. 12,007; 3 banks, 2 newspapers. Market-day, Wednesday. B. is built on both sides of the river, which is navigable to the town for vessels of 700 tons, but is subject to a bore or tidal wave. The imports are-- coal, grain, nemp, talow, limber, wine, &c.; exports -- earthenware, bath-bricks, cement, and plaster of Paris, which constitute the staple trade of the town. (For shipping statistics, see Appendix.) B. was originally called Brugge or Burgh Walter, from the Norman baron to whom the manor was given at the Conquest. The castle, built in the reign of Henry II., was almost completely demolished during the Civil War. Admiral Blake (1599-1657) was a native.
A village in North Petherton hundred, in the county of Somerset.