Bridgwater Castle

Bridgwater Castle, nestled in the heart of Bridgwater, Somerset, England, is a fascinating relic of medieval architecture and history. This once grand stone fortress, built around 1220, played a pivotal role in the town's development and witnessed significant historical events, from the Second Barons' War to the English Civil War and the Monmouth Rebellion. Today, while much of the castle has faded into the annals of history, the remnants that survive continue to tell the tale of its storied past.

The Genesis of Bridgwater Castle

Bridgwater Castle was the brainchild of William Brewer, an affluent and influential figure of his time. Granted the lordship of the Manor of Bridgwater by King John in 1201, Brewer wasted no time in transforming the landscape. With a license to crenellate granted in 1200, Brewer's vision of a fortified stronghold began to materialize. The castle's construction marked the beginning of Bridgwater's transformation from a modest settlement into a burgeoning town.

The castle was an imposing structure, built primarily from Old Red Sandstone sourced from Wembdon, with additional stone transported from Downend in the Polden Hills and Ham Hill by boat. The site spanned an impressive 8 to 9 acres, encircled by a tidal moat that was up to 65 feet wide in places. This moat, fed by Durleigh brook, a tributary of the River Parrett, provided both a defensive barrier and a picturesque feature.

A Fortress of Grandeur

Bridgwater Castle was not just a military fortification; it was a self-contained community. The main entrance, opposite the Cornhill, featured a pair of adjacent gates and drawbridges, a unique architectural feature. The castle complex included a keep, dungeon, chapel, stables, and a bell tower, all strategically positioned on the only raised ground in the town. The castle's strategic location allowed it to control the crossing of the town bridge, a vital link for trade and travel.

Documents from the time describe the castle as having both outer and inner baileys, with buildings that included the constable's house, St Mark's Chapel, Mortemere's Hall, stables, kitchens, a horse mill, gatehouse, bell tower, and dovecote. This extensive array of structures made Bridgwater Castle a bustling hub of activity and a symbol of Brewer's wealth and power.

Bridgwater Castle in Conflict

The castle's strategic importance meant it was frequently embroiled in the conflicts of the time. During the Second Barons' War in the 13th century, and later in the Despenser War of 1321, Bridgwater Castle found itself at the center of military campaigns. The Mortimer family, who gained control of the castle in the mid-13th century, faced repeated challenges from the crown, culminating in the castle's occupation by royal forces to prevent it from being used as a base for rebellion.

By the 14th century, the castle's military significance began to wane. Parts of the moat were filled in, and the upkeep of the castle was neglected. However, in the 1380s and 1390s, efforts were made to reinforce the towers, gatehouse, and barbican, giving the castle a brief resurgence in its defensive capabilities. By the mid-15th century, private houses had begun to encroach within the castle walls, signaling a shift from military stronghold to residential area.

The English Civil War and Beyond

The early 17th century saw significant changes for Bridgwater Castle. Parts of the external walls were demolished to make way for a new house built by Henry Harvey, an attorney of the Court of Common Pleas. This new house, shaped like a Roman B, stood as a testament to the changing times. However, the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642 brought renewed conflict to Bridgwater.

The castle and town were garrisoned by Royalist forces under Edmund Wyndham. Despite a valiant defense, the castle eventually surrendered to Parliamentarian forces in 1645. The castle's decline continued, with much of it being deliberately destroyed in the following years. By the time of the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685, the castle was a shadow of its former self, though it still played a minor role in the conflict.

Rebirth and Rediscovery

The 18th century marked the final chapter in the story of Bridgwater Castle. The remaining structures were demolished to make way for new residential and industrial buildings. The creation of Georgian Castle Street in the 1720s transformed the landscape, with many of the new buildings incorporating stone from the old castle. King's Square, built between 1807 and 1814, further altered the site, though traces of the castle's foundations and walls can still be found beneath the modern structures.

In recent years, archaeological discoveries have shed new light on the castle's history. In 2008, sewer renovation work uncovered a section of the castle's curtain wall and a tunnel used to transport goods from the port. These findings, along with surviving parts of the castle wall, water gate, and undercroft, offer tantalizing glimpses into the past and ensure that the legacy of Bridgwater Castle endures.

Today, Bridgwater Castle stands as a testament to the town's rich history and resilience. Its ruins, though diminished, continue to captivate visitors and remind us of the castle's once grand presence. As you explore the streets of Bridgwater, take a moment to imagine the bustling life within the castle walls and the events that shaped its destiny. Bridgwater Castle may be a relic of the past, but its story lives on, woven into the fabric of the town it helped to create.