Bridgwater is an industrial town (Cellophane, plastics, engine parts, industrial chemicals) with a population of 36,000 (1998).
Bridgwater is most famous for its Guy Fawkes Carnival which traditionally takes place on the Thursday nearest to the 5th of November. It commences with one of the largest illuminated processions in Europe, a dazzling display of over 100 large vehicles festooned with dancers and lightbulbs, and concludes with a firework display. The fireworks are accompanied by sparking torches (known as squibs) and the firework event is known as squibbing for that reason.
Bridgwater stands on the banks of the River Parrett, between two junctions of the M5.
History
Originally named Brigg (riverside, or quayside), the town is recorded in the Saxon Chronicles of 800 AD. When Walter Douai, a Norman prince, was given lordship over Brigg in the wake of the invasion of 1066, it was renamed Briggwalter in his honour, and is so recorded in the Domesday Book of 1085 AD. King John granted the town permission to bridge the Parrett and build Bridgwater Castle in 1200 AD. It was an important stronghold in the English Civil War, and was partially razed in 1645.
During the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, The Duke of Monmouth was crowned King at Bridgwater's Cornhill. Until recently members of the Royal Family would not pass through Bridgwater without drawing the blinds of their train as a result. Nearby Westonzoyland was the site of the last battle on English soil, at which Monmouth was defeated by the King's troops.
Throughout the nineteenth century, Bridgwater became an important centre for trade and brick-making, and the docks and canal are a remnant of this era, which came to and end after World War II.
Web Links
<a href="http://www.bridgwater.net">Bridgwater Town Web></a> is full of content, and contains a more complete history of the town.