Bridgwater is a bustling market Town in the very heart of Somerset. It is hard to believe today, but Bridgewater was once a major sea port.  The town's once busy quay remains as a reminder of Bridgwater's nautical past, as does the Bridgwater canal. The demise of Bridgewater as a port was due in no small part to nearby, Bristol's emergence as the main port for the area. The Bridgwater and Taunton canal, runs through the the scenic flat areas of Somerset, and there are some great walks along the canal towpath. The town lies in the valley of the tidal River Parret, at the beginning of the Quantock Hills. And the Somerset levels and the Mendip Hills are near by so you can see as previously stated it is set in some beautiful though contrasting countryside. It's origins date from the 12th century, when a William de Bruer was granted a Royal Charter. The construction of the Castle began about the same time which showed just how Bridgewater was growing in importance.  The Norman influence is show in the 'Domesday book of 1088,' for Bridgewater is recorded as Brugie. Even earlier documents describe Bridgwater as a bustling river port. From the middle ages it became known for its market, and for the fairs it held. One of which, St Mathews Fair is still a annual event to-day. Unfortunately all that remains of the castle today is is the Water Gate, which can be seen on the water front. The castle along with quite a bit of Bridgwater was destroyed by the Parliamentarian army during the ' English Civil War.'  Bridgwater is where one of the most colorful Parliementairian General's [later Admiral ] Robert Blake was born. His reputed home is now a very interesting local history museum with displays of archeology, maritime and social history, as well as information on Blake, and the Monmouth Rebellion (1685).

A typical small Somerset town Bridgwater, has some nice historic squares. And Bridgwater was where the Duke of Monmouth proclaimed himself King in 1685, but lost the Battle of Sedgemoor against King James, he was executed for his efforts. Bridgwater stood loyal to King Charles 1st, in the English Civil War and suffered grievously for this loyalty. In 1645 Bridgwater lay under siege from Palimentarian forces. Artillery pounded the Town for three day's destroying nearly all the buildings. After Bridgwater's surrender to the Parliamentarian forces they destroyed the Castle as revenge for Bridgwater's loyalist sympathies, and as a reprisal for the towns defiance.

In the 18th century two events were to alter Bridgwater dramatically. One the advent of the Railway and two the Industrial Revolution. These two earth moving events were to be the cause of a decline in Bridgwater's fortunes. Industries like the cloth industry moved to the North, were the source of cheap power was. And the G.W.Railway. which provide easy access for goods to the port of Bristol, saw Bristol gain the upper hand as a port. As Bristol grew, Bridgwater's saw it's own importance diminish.  However in the early 19th century Bridgwater's fortunes took a turn for the better. With improved communication's and new industries springing up;  such as  brick and tile making . The Town also deliberately built the railway station away from the river. The reason for this was to alleviate the town's dependence on the river as a way of moving goods. Yet again in the 20th century the brick and tile industry was in decline but the town brought in new industries and the decline was once again halted. Yes whilst there is no-doubt that Bridgwater has seen many changes in recent years much of the older parts of the town have retained their character, historic buildings and the medieval street pattern

What of Bridgwater as a holiday destination. With Bridgwater's rich and varied history, plus the fact that the town has many interesting building including, The Black Museum, and Moorlynch Vineyard, and good shop's, restaurant's and events such as the Bridgwater Carnival, the carnival is in October, and celebrates the uncovering of Guy Fawkes and the gunpowder plot of 1605. And the town's lovely location the beautiful Quantock Hills are on the doorstep, as well as the  Mendip Hills.! So I believe with this interesting past and lovely location Bridgwater is an ideal holiday location.

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