Bridgwater’s much-loved History Day returns to the Bridgwater Arts Centre on Saturday 8 November 2025, promising a full day of fascinating talks, live music, films, and even free historical food!
Doors open at 10.00am, with the event running until 4.00pm.
This year’s theme celebrates “The People, Places and Stories of Bridgwater”, featuring eight local historians, a live traditional band, and authentic historical food provided by Mingle Café.
The day will be opened by the Mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr. Kathy Pearce, and compered by Brian Smedley.
From the Monmouth Rebellion to Romani roots, World War II memories, and even how to spell Bridg(e?)water, the day’s talks will explore Bridgwater’s colourful past from every angle.
- 10.25am – Opening by Mayor Kathy Pearce
- 10.30am – Chris Hocking: “The History of Carnival”
- 11.00am – Phil Shepherd & Maggie Smith-Bendell: “Romani Roots”
- 11.30am – Two Short History Films
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- Miles Kerr Peterson: “How to spell Bridg(e )water”
- Tony Woolrich: “The Lytle Mill and the Town’s First Waterworks”
- 12.00 midday – Dave Chapple: “King Charles vs King Pym”
- 12.45pm – The Chalk Newton Band: West Country Music in the Early 19th Century
- 1.15pm – Historical Lunch: Medieval Pottage Stew by Eva Kam (Mingle Café)
- 2.00pm – The Chalk Newton Band: Instruments of Joy – Outdoor Music Through the Ages
- 2.30pm – Liz Leavy: “My Grandmother’s Wartime Diary”
- 2.50pm – Tom Mayberry MBE: “Remembering the Monmouth Rebellion”
The event will feature a range of speakers, each sharing unique perspectives on local history.
Carnival historian Chris Hocking, vice-president of Bridgwater’s Marketeers and Wills Carnival Clubs, will explore the town’s iconic carnival traditions.
1941 born Romani author Maggie Smith-Bendell will talk about the lives of Travellers in Somerset in the mid- twentieth century. The talk will be introduced by Phil Shepherd from Somerset Film.
Miles Kerr Peterson, Chair of Friends of Wembdon Road Cemetery and co-editor of the Bridgwater Heritage website, will offer insights into local historical preservation.
Industrial historian and former Bridgwater Museum curator Tony Woolrich reflects on the town’s industrial past, and trade unionist, author, and civic activist Dave Chapple presents King Charles vs King Pym, a talk on political conflict and local legacy.
Town Councillor and former Mayor, Liz Leavy will present her grandmother’s wartime diary, offering a personal glimpse into life during the Second World War.
Rounding off the speaker line-up, Tom Mayberry MBE, former Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust, will explore the Monmouth Rebellion and its impact on Bridgwater.
Adding a musical dimension to the day, The Chalk Newton Band will present two illustrated talks: one on West Country music-making in the early 19th century, and another Instruments of Joy, a journey through outdoor music-making across the ages, from ancient horns to nineteenth-century carnival bands.
Lunch will be a taste of the past, with local chef Eva Kam of Mingle Café serving a hearty Medieval Pottage Stew. Mingle Café, based on St John Street, is a community hub that “loves people, hates waste and stands against inequality.”
Compere Brian Smedley said,
“Bridgwater History Day is about bringing local history to life, told by the people who live it, research it, and love it. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about our town’s past, there’s something here for everyone.”
Admission is free although donations are always welcome and lunch is included.
