Admiral Blake
Robert Blake was born in Bridgwater in August 1598, the eldest son of Humphrey and Sarah Blake. His home is now the Blake Museum. Baptised at St Mary’s church, in the font which survives today, he was the first of 13 children, four of whom died in ...
Monmouth Rebellion
The final turmoil for seventeenth century Bridgwater came with the visit of the Duke of Monmouth and the ensuing Battle of Sedgemoor. The greater part of the story takes place elsewhere so here I shall focus on the impact on Bridgwater. James, Duke ...
The English Civil War
In 1645, the English Civil War, in which Bridgwater’s Admiral Blake played such a key role, visited the town. The conflict was between the Royalists and the Roundheads who favoured Parliament. In April 1645, Prince Rupert summoned a meeting, at Bridgwater Cast...
The Plague of Bridgwater
In 1665, the whole nation suffered from the plague, and Bridgwater was no exception. Across the country, people were afraid to enter the town for fear of infection. Since the food to supply the towns had to come from the country, hence special arrangements...
