Bridgwater

Bridgwater, Bristol Channel seaport, Sedgemoor district, administrative and historic county of Somerset, southwestern England. The town lies to the east of the Quantock Hills, mainly on the right bank of the River Parrett, and is the administrative centre for the district.

The first of several charters was granted in about 1200, and wine and wool fairs were economically important in medieval times. Portions of St. Mary’s Church date to the late 12th century. The port’s trade, which revived with the building of a new dock in 1841, still continues; the river is navigable to the town for vessels up to 200 tons. Bridgwater’s varied industries include brick and tile making, heavy engineering, brewing, the manufacture of electrical equipment, and the making of preserves. Pop. (2001) 33,915; (2011) 35,886.