Some more of Bridgwater's historic past revealed.
On Sunday afternoon, 15 June 2008, members of the Bridgwater & District Civic Society gathered for a guided walk of some of the historic parts of Bridgwater. The tour was led by our Vice-Chairman, Dr. Peter Cattermole (right) and started, as usual, below the east window of St Mary's church. He welcomed our friends from Crewkerne Civic Society, three young students from France (left below) and other visitors from the town and district.
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The walk began with a look at the north porch of the church, parts of which show clear examples of early 13th century work.
Pic © 2008 Linden Lee
Passing through Church Passage, the group remarked on the great width of the High Street, and noted the wide variety of architectural styles and ages of the buildings.
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Both pics © 2008 Linden Lee
Behind the High Street lies Clare Street, the Medieval Horlocke or Ordlof Street. Here lived Bridgwater's most famous woman pilgrim, Isolda Parewastel
Pic © 2008 Jean Pakes
The group headed away from the medieval core of the town, noting the site of the North Gate at the end of Angel Crescent, and proceeded to the Victorian Docks.
Pic © 2008 Linden Lee
We returned along the southern bank of the R. Parrett, pausing to admire Valetta Place, the Telescope Bridge, and Benjamin Holloway's mansion, The Lions House
We examined the sorry setting of the early 13th century Watergate.
Some resolved to write to the Chief Executive, Kerry Rickards of Sedgemoor District Council in the hope that improvements might be made to the appearance and accessibility of the Listed structure.
The group paused at the bottom of Georgian Castle Street, so that Dr Cattermole could stand on the recently-constructed access manhole above the excavated curtain wall of William Briwer's Castle.
Pic © 2008 Linden Lee
The tour was rounded off by traversing Blake Gardens to the Blake Museum where there were much needed cups of tea!