Bridgwater

Bridgwater, seaport and municipal borough in Somersetshire, six miles from the Bristol Channel (12 by river), and 29 miles S.W. of Bristol city. The river Parret divides the town, which is on the edge of the well-wooded plain which lies between the Mendip and the Quantock Hills. Ships of 700 tons can come up to Bridgwater, and a canal unites it with Taunton. There is a bore in the Parrett of 6 ft. or 8 ft., and the spring-tides rise 36 ft. The principal industries are bath-brick and cement making, carriage-building, and potteries. There is a church with a spire notable for its grace. The name is said to be a corruption of Burgh-Walter, from a certain Walter to whom William I. granted the manor. Bridgwater suffered much in the Civil war, and was one of the chief places to support Monmouth in his rebellion. It no longer sends a member to Parliament.