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Somerset Historic Environment Record

12419

Site Name: Bridgwater Castle, Bridgwater
Civil Parish: Bridgwater
Comprises:
PRN 12471Castle Wall, King Square, Bridgwater
PRN 12472Castle Wall and undercroft, West Quay, Bridgwater
PRN 12473NE corner tower of Castle, West Quay, Bridgwater
PRN 12474Castle wall and moat, King Square, Bridgwater
PRN 12475Watching brief (1991-4), Queen St, Bridgwater
PRN 15615Evaluation (2002), Castle Moat, Bridgwater
PRN 15822Remains of Castle Wall, Bridgwater
PRN 16997Possible remains of castle wall, 10-14 Queen Street, Bridgwater
PRN 28154Watching brief (2008), Castle Street, Bridgwater
PRN 44995Watching brief (1988), King Square, Bridgwater
Grid Ref: ST 298 371 (ST 23 NE)
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Public access:

The public accessibility of this site is unknown but it should be visible from a public right of way. Please assume that the site is private property. (Only visible parts are along West Quay). [Information last updated on 16 December 2002]

Details:

The castle was built by William de Briwere (or Brewer) in AD 1202, It passed to the King in 1233 and in 1242 or 1245 repairs were ordered to its motte and towers. The site is centred in the area of Chandos St and Castle St. King Square is on the site of the bailey. There was a moat on three sides and the river Parrett on the E. Traces of the moat occur in the cellars of the buildings in Fore Street, and to the N in the garden of The Lions Club. See PRN 11839 for The Water Gate. Various excavations have taken place which have revealed the line of the castle wall, particularly on the northern side. See 12471 12472 12473 12474 15822. {1}

References:

1 Detailed records - Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division ST23NE9 (SCC Planning Department)
2 Mention - J Brit Archaeol Ass 1856 vol. 12, 377
3 Mention - MPBW 1963 "History of King's Works" vol. 2, 576
4 Mention - SANHS Dilks, T.B 1940 vol. 86, 100-101
5 Mention - Parker, G. [Bridgwater]. Somerset Archaeology and Natural History.  23 (1877), 46-47

Record created in December 1982

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