P R E F A C E E3 7 7 P1 l K H

IT a ffo rds pl easu r e to th e Auth or of this book to find that alth ou gh only a few month s have passed since its u a on a e on on is r uir d a s s ms p blic ti , S c d Editi eq e , it ee

f a proo that it ha s been acceptabl e t o th e general

u B r wa er and its ne ou r o p blic . idg t ighb ho d th e reader w find rom an e amina n n o its An en H s r ill f x tio i t ci t i to y, have been a t cer ta in periods p eculiarly mixed up with the historv o f o u r oun r n ee e en s a e oc ured c t y, i d d v t h v c which w ere t urnin g points of great interest a nd import

A f r a e een u se to aff ance . s e fo t s h v b d ord litera ry amu semen and n orma on the e n on is t i f ti , S co d Editi l aun e in e h a it ma be orne on the e of ch d hop , t t y b tid

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’ ' er e s o e in th e ar ness ere s o e in the Th H p d k , th H p light , ’ ’ ere s o e to the ea e u ere s o e in th e Th H p p c f l, th H p fight, ’ ere s o e on th e mo u n a n w en w ene w o s Th H p t i , h hit d ith fl ck , ' ere s o e on t h e o ean w e n w a es a s th e r o s Th H p c , h v d h ck , ’ ’ w e r e o f n ere s o e in t h e m ne e n ea e s a e . Th H p i , h d p iv d H v f c ' ere s o e w en t h e a eronau ts a n s in s a e Th H p h v i h p c , ’ ere H 0 e f or th e s u f erer w s e oo s l ow s Th s p f hil t lif bl d til fl , ’ ere s o e f or the on e r a e w w o es Th H p c vict, d g d d ith , W en no m se of or of o can be seen h gli p light j y , W s a e on th e s ene hen car e u pon car e c asts it s h d c . Be ar 11 oo r s an be a u a nd rue g d Ch i ti , f ithf l t , A nd o f n m er w w a t u on ou opes o u t u b ill i p y , wil an e the dee s a o ws a ar en ou r w a It l ch g h d th t d k y y , T d r f a o t he sm es and t h e bess n s an ness o d . il l i g , b ight y

11098 7 7

T H E A N C I E N T HISTOR& OF BRIDGWAT E R.

UR old town is situated in t he h eart of Somerset re The an aro n is e u ar r shi . l d u d it p c li ly ich and fertile ; the po pul a tion of th e b orough at th e last censu s ‘ e ee e wel e o san . h as a r us r er xc d d t v th u d It ci cuito iv , ere t he a a e s e in th e da s me ime wh tid l w v flow twic y, o t s r s n a ea o f six ee and a t s rin i s u hi g up with h d f t, p g t de n h e o f en ee e ri sin g ofte to t h eight tw ty f t. Th re is a se men e on the an s of the r er has di t l ft b k iv , which on een a sour e of ea to the mer an s l g b c w lth ch t , and gives considerable empl oyment to the labouring m s s men r ks are manu a eo e . ro e r e p pl F thi di t b ic f ctu d, w en n s e and r e off are of a e o r hich wh fi i h d d i d , whit col u . These bricks are called scou ring-brick s they have been im r er s me a e Ba r s can o n p op ly, by o , c ll d th b ick , which ly be accounted for by their b eing so methin g of the col our

‘ of B a s ne T e are n m a e at B rid th to . h y o ly d g wa ter ; they have been found u seful for many m anufac n d r e e ur ur se s an are now a r e . T s t i g p po , l g ly xpo t d hi p eculiar cla y can o nly be ' ga th ered within a mil e of th e n on e er s e e n a st an e o ar s tow ith id ; if b yo d th t di c , t w d the see ere is in the m t ur e too m san and , th ix uc h d, if a in the Oppo site direction too much cl y . There is a considerable depth of excell ent clay in the an s aroun t h e own ro m a r e man a re l d d t , f which uf ctu d n r s i es and er o s o f V er s er r buildi g b ick , t l oth g od y up io al s ma e ra e qu ity . Thi y be termed the stapl t d . Still t her e are many other sources of trade quantities of oak

“ S a lmo n caught in th e r iver Parrett is highly prize d f or it s excel lent flav our formerly w h en th e lands b or dering on t he river were un r a ne reater a l w as en f or th e fi sh t o s awn and t h d i d, g f ci ity giv p , e r er was no t so is ur e essel s as at resen ons e uen ] sal iv d t b d by v p t, c q t mon was o a n er 1h . is re or ed a s bu dant it was sold abou t 2d . p It c d yth t in ol d indentu res of a ppr enticeship a clau se was inserte d that the a prentice should not be oblige d to eat sa lmon more th an twice a wee 4 Tbe A ncient H istor o B r id wa ter y f g . and el m timber gro wn in o ur neighbour ho od are from - me to me e or e . T ere a re floatin o s w ere ti ti xp t d h g d ck , h esse s ar e s e can s a r e e r ar oes so a v l of l g iz di ch g th i c g , th t a ons era e ore n a s e a s oa s n ra e is a rr e c id bl f ig , w ll c ti g t d c i d — a ra e es e a T ere is a o o n the co l t d p ci lly . h line f com municat ion from th e do cks to th e B ri s tol and Exeter a wa n r ea a t o ra e ransa ons R il y , givi g g t f cility t d t cti . The p ublic bu ildings and shop s are of a superior de Th e er a mar e - da is e n W n scrip t ion . gen l k t y h ld o ed es er is a so a ro s on mar e o n a ur a day th e l p vi i k t S t d y . in orn and a e a ar e s n ess is ransa e B oth c c ttl l g bu i t ct d . Th e houses that have been b uilt within a fe w year s in th e sou th -east and west of th e town a re proofs of the r r r At th e mou th e r er arre gene al p osp e ity . th of iv P t m a e m e r m r a r es B urn a s B w e . li h , bout ight il f o idg t It is a a er n a e a s m r n e e ra e for its w t i g pl c , f t i p ovi g, c l b t d an n in vigora tin g Atl tic breezes and sple did bea ch . It is now be r ea e r a and en its ea - in to ch d by il , wh h lth giv g p ower s ar e better known it wil l no doubt be more and

more re en e . The an ar un B r wa er is a s I f qu t d l d o d idg t , a e s a e er r and er i e es e a th e ra n h v t t d, v y ich f t l , p ci lly g zi g T ere is one ar e s a e of r u n n a n n an . l d h l g p c g o d, co t i i g a u one o san a r es in a r n en e rmer e bo t th u d c , i g f c , fo ly h ld th e e am now r de a l e is by Powl tt f ily, by Lo d M u y, which ,

I n ers an l et at r om £5 to 6 er a re . is a e u d t d, f £ p c It c ll d am T s ro r on e e n e to the Pawlett H s. hi p pe ty c b lo g d i ea e e e ra e o n a n . H e s sa e c l b t d J h of G u t , it id, b qu th d ran it by a will of a p eculiarly qua int description . It thus I o n o f aun d o e and ran , J h G t, giv g t, rom me and m n e t o ee and h n e F i th t i , Al l a or on of lan th t p ti d, n K own by th e name of Pawlett H ams . Some of the h eaviest Christma s oxen shown at th e mithfiel d mar e ar e ra e on ese S k t g z d th lands .

Th e ar ms in th e ne ou r o man of em er f ighb ho d, y th v y re e T ere ar ar e a ea a r r s s . e l g , h ld by w lthy g icultu i t h a so sma l armers in er r es ec ta e s ns l l f , hold g v y p bl po itio The A ncient H istor o B rid wat y f g er . 5

’ n eed the nh a an s o f the own of B r wa er ar e i d , i bit t t idg t much blessed by a kind Pr ovidence in having such u a r un em so urc es o f s pply o d th . O ur neighbourhoo d is honcured by having been mixed s o r A re the reat H e a u p with th e hi t y of lf d G . l id the ’ l n an s wer Be ore fo undation of a l E gl d po . f his time the o ns in n an e re s ar e r of the name t w E gl d w c c ly wo thy .

In gi vi ng an acco unt of the historical ma tters we mu st not o mit one of the mo st important events o f the n o m a ou the ear 880 a s u n its ssue the ki gd , b t y , po i s its e e r e e er a nd a ne s s . A re or lib ty h ppi of p opl t d lf d, ZE l fr ed the r ea n of n an was n e e to , G t Ki g E gl d, i d bt d th e p rotection affor ded him by a her dsman and his wife in the s e of E thin l e now no n as A e ne I l g y, k w th l y, w es a se en m es om B r a er Tra hich li bout v il fr idgw t . di

‘ tio n sa ys that when Alfred first came to Athelney he wa s set by the gu de wife to watch a cake by th e fire e sh e wen ee the s and on her re rn whil t to f d pig , tu h e r e e e a s d n f or a i n ne e e his ar A c iv d col i g h v g gl ct d ch ge. t en h e ma e mse n n a nd l a or for th l gth d hi lf k ow , bui t f t e security of himself and family and a few faithful ser r e a re er t h n a vants wh o p i d thith o im. Whe he h d been a ou a ear in s r e rea a n een nforme b t y thi t t, h vi g b i d that some of his subj ects h ad attacked a great army of the a nes l e e r e and a en e r ma a s an D , ki l d th i chi f, t k th i gic l t ar h e ssue e er s n no e er e h e was an d d, i d l tt givi g tic wh , d n n th e n to ome and ns l wi him i viti g obility c co u t th . M uch impor tance wa s a ttached to the fact of the ma gica l s tan ar e n a en a s the anes ere er su d d b i g t k , D w v y per t i u ma l ma s it o s . T s anner Sir T s e n sa s ha hi b , ho Sp y , d on th e ma e of a ra en ma al rou it i g v , gic ly w ght by the ree s s er s of H in uar and H u a a v n een th i t g bb , h i g b begun and n s e in a s n e noon e on r se for fi i h d i gl tid , pu po their ’ ’ e e on in re en e e r a er s Lodebrook xp diti , v g of th i f th ( s)

mur der . It wa s believed by the D anes to have been arme rea a a is retended ' a ch d with g t f t lity . It p th t being a rr e in a e seem la its c i d b ttl , it would to c p wings and r id wa ter h A ncient H is tor o B . 6 T e . y f g

’ make as if it woul d fiy when victory wa s imminent but o n the app roach of a mi shap wo uld han g do wn an d not m e Be ore A re and his no ame to a na ov . f lf d bility c fi l e rm na on a s e r r ee n s h e t n on d te i ti to th i p oc di g , , put i g ’ the a t a ar er en n o the enem s am s h bi of h p , w t i t y c p , ere w o s s on he wa s rea a m e a nd wh , ith ut u pici , dily d itt d, had the on r to a e ore e r r n es H a n h ou pl y b f th i p i c . vi g s a u r e rea n w e e o f e r s ua n he thu cq i d g t k o l dg th i it tio , re rne in secres the no a t A el ne w m tu d y to bility th y , ho he or ere e r r es e e mes e e dra w d d to th i p ctiv ho , th r to t et er ea man a s a r e a or e as h e o u and og h ch l g f c c ld , n a da a n e ere wa s to be a rea a upo y. ppoi t d, th g t g th ri t nam T s a ffa r wa s ra nsa e s e ng at a p oin ed . hi i t ct d o secretly and expedi tiously that in a l ittle time the king at the head of an army app roa ched the Dan es befor e e had the as n e i en e his es n Al re th y l e t i t ll g c of d ig . f d , ak n a an a e of eir s r r se and error e u n t i g dv t g th u p i t , f ll po and e ea e em at ZE h endune no n ton totally d f t d th t , w Edi g . T se es a e fled to a n e o r n cas e ere ho who c p d ighb u i g tl , wh i they were so on besieged and obliged to s ur render at d s e n e s as the a e a the e c r tio . So d ci ive w b ttl th t Danes d livered him hostages and c ovenants to depar t o ut of his d ominic ns and a e r n s be a e i , th t th i ki g hould b ptiz d , wh ch was a m s ed K n A re r e e n e r n cco pli h i g lf d c ivi g th i ki g , - G rum at the n name him E del stan o e. er ( uth ) f t , d Div s o ers of the an s n li to the num er of 30 am th D i h obi ty, b , c e at th e sa me me and ere a e o n m n up ti w b ptiz d , who Ki g

r To s ‘ Al f ed bestowed ma ny gifts . pea k in the prai se of so n e a r n e as A re re ir es m e uence obl p i c lf d qu uch loq . It is sa G r m was ba i e in A er ur ne r id uth u pt z d ll Ch ch, a a r L ngpo t.

To the inquir whence sprung th e Somer setshire peo l e we s al l fin r m the s r of the a n n s p , h f o hi to y S xo E gli h set e en a a s far as are the H s e n and tl m t, th t, they old ol t i es s the o a e s r un rom th e es Sl wick tock, w uld h v p g f W t a s an e on the s ores o f H am s i re n er S xon , who l d h p h , u d t he ea ers er i and n in 495 a nd s rea sl l d C d c Cy ic, , p d owly 7 The A ncient H istory of B r idgwa ter .

ro H am s re W s re orse and merset and th ugh p hi , ilt hi , D t So for some ear s not enera ns s a e s at the y , if g tio , t y d till r er s ar re and U er Axe w wer e an un ers o iv P t, pp , hich d to d bounda ry between the Saxon English and the B ritish ra In o Br s bl oéd and es . erse sh re men ere is c S m t i th iti h , it is su ose a at ast on u r in omerse s re th e pp d th t Gl b y, S t hi , rs r s an u r Wa s r fi t Ch i ti ch ch e ected . Th e fir st historical notice of Bridgw ater is from omes a Boo ma e in t he ear of our o r 1080 D d y k , d y L d , and om e e in 1086 in the me of am the Con c pl t d , ti Willi ” uc ror . is a e omu s D ei th e oo e n q It c ll d D , b k b i g ’ a In the me depo sited in the King s Tr e sury. ti o f Edwa rd the Confesso r commissioner s wer e sent into every c o u nty and shire t o a scertain from the inhabi an s u on o a t he name of ea manor and ha of t t , p th , ch t t it s o ner a so w om it wa s e th e num er of es w , l by h ~ h ld b hid a the uan of w o o f a s ure and of mea o ( ) , q tity o d , p t d w an ho w man ou s wer e in emesne and how l d ; y pl gh d , man in the enan e a r of h ow man m s and y t t d p t it y ill , h o w man fish - on s o r s er es e on e w t th e y p d fi h i b l g d to it, i h a ue o f the o e o e er in th e me E dwar d a s v l wh l t g th ti of , w e as w en ran e n am and at th e ll h g t d by Ki g Willi ; , me of s sur v ev a s w e er was a a e of im ti thi , l o h th it c p bl u Th e re rn provement o r bei n g advanced in val e. tu was to n u e the enan s of e er e ree th e uan i cl d t t v y d g , q tity of an en and ormer e ea em th e l d th f ly h ld by ch of th , num er of e ns b o r s a es and a s the n m er b vill i ( ) l v , l o u b and es r e s o n A re h ad a r l d c iption of liv t ck . Ki g lf d ol which h e call ed D omesday and wh ich referr ed t o the me e r e In mes a B B r a r is ti of Eth l d Do d y ook idgw te _ u s s r u ie er e th de cr ibed Walter Doway holds B g . M l wa n a a on ane e at the me of n S i , S x th , h ld it ti Ki g

‘ ' a A e of u ant ou e w one l ori ( hid land w as the q ity pl gh d ith p gh , w n a ear . ome sa 80 Some 100 a res . ithi y S y , c

b e ns a sor of eo e in a on on of own ser ( ) Vill i , t p pl c diti d ht vi tu d e u sed and em o k . e i n t h e os serv e w or and el on in , pl y d m t il , g g, o e and eir i b th th y th ch ldren and e ffects t o th e lords of t h e soil . istor o B r id w 8 The A ncient H y f g ater .

E ar and as ssesse a t the fo r fi ve es w a e . dw d, it d G ld hid — Th e arable land was sufficient for t en plou ghs fiv e n men c r een l e ns n ne or ar s at fi v e bo d ( ) , thi t vi l i , i b d ) , ere i cotta ger s (Cotta rii) who have eight plou gh s . h s a mil l (the one now in Blak e- street) which yields five s n s ann a and t en a r es of mea o w o ne hu n hilli g u lly, c d ,

re a res of o e a nd r a res o f as u r e . d d c c ppic wood, thi ty c p t Wh en Wal sein r eceived it it was worth 100 shillings no n s al se h ad in emesne two es of w seven pou d . W d hid an and r ee u s and the e n enan s ree l d th plo gh , vill i t t th s l in h r een n ea a e se en o s e . Wa se ad hid thi t t c ttl , v h g and s -one s ee Wa er D owa wa s a rman ixty h p . lt y No ni of a am er e e r surn ame rom k ght, f ily which d iv d th i f th a H a in a en e the e town of Douai in Fr nce . v g tt d d Conqueror to England he was r ewarded with n umerous manors in the n es e on or se W s re and cou ti of D v , D t, ilt hi urr e H is e res en e wa s Bam n in e on S y . chi f id c pto , D v s re wa s th e ea of th e ar on . At his ea hi , which h d b y d th he e ss e one son— o er wh o oo th e su rname l ft i u R b t, t k of B am on or B aun on H avi n no ma e ssue h e e al l pt t . g l i l ft his es a es ul an his n au er e am e the t t to J i , o ly d ght , who b c m w e of W am P a anel a rea aron a e. if illi g , g t b of th t ti William P aganel w a s th e second son o f Ralph P a ganel Bar n of u e in th e oun o f af or son of Ful k o D dl y, c ty St f d , P a anel ame n o n an am the g , who c i t E gl d with Willi he a sses n eror In th e 12th H enr . u on t s Co qu . y II , p ’ men fo r marr n the n s au er h e er e t yi g Ki g d ght , c tifi d ’ a h e e ft een n s i ees th e ol d eo f men e th t h ld fi k ight of f f t ( ) , ’ and a a n s fee th e new eoffmen his e h lf k ight of f t by wif , — Jul ian de Bampton H e h ad one son Fulk P a ganel

c Bon men wh o e a e w er e t o be ru e t o e r ( ) d , did f lty . Th y t th i lor un er w om e e ei r an e r orm n s er e s su as d, d h th y h ld th l d, p f i g vic , ch

ras n raw n w a er u n w o o & c . th hi g, d i g t , c tti g d,

d Bor a rs o r b ordel ode a s er e re u re of enan s -l - a of ( ) d , , vic q i d t t th t arr in m er o ut o f t o s o f t h e o r to t he o use c y g ti b h e w od l d h . “ e eo fmen . rom he er Feo fi are t o e o ne a e u ( ) F f t F t v b , giv f d, the or r an o f an ere amen s t o ano er —eo o r eu is gift g t y h dit t th , f d f d e ne to be a r d fi d ight. he ncient H ist r o r d wa ter 9 T A o y f B i g .

who in th e 26 H enr . a a ousan mar s fo r , y II , p id th d k ’ er of the ono r B am on his mo er s in liv y f ) h u of pt , th Th e u P a anel a in omm e some heritance. F lk g h v g c itt d rea ffen e w e h im to see sa e in g t o c hich oblig d k f ty flight, his an s w ere en t o W am B andol h b u t h e con l d giv illi p , s o B r wa er to am de B riwere v eyed the lord hip f idg t Willi . T he ba ronial family of B r iwere had l a r ge po ssession s in n om r se am n h i th e o n es of e on a d e . e in s c u ti D v S t C d , “ ” r ann a sa s a in the r e ns of H enr . B it i y th t ig y II , nd o n th e am had th e surname o f ar . a Rich d I J h , f ily B riwere becau se th e fa ther o f l Vil l iam (pre sently men n r uu Th e tioned wa s or n o a ea a n B uen m. ) b h th , L ti family is for th e fi rst time mentioned in histor y in th e H i a m B riwer e th e son of H enr 26 enr . y II W lli , y a o e men one in o ns era on of r - one mar s b v ti d, c id ti thi ty k o f s er w er eo ten w ere a u e for his ser e ilv ( h f cq itt d vic , a nd the r es a in mo ne ur a se of H awise de t p id y) , p ch d am Il esham the inheritance of al l the lan ds at Il esh . r ar Thi s William wa s in g ea t favou r with King Rich d I . n o n In th e r e n o f th e a er m nar th e n a d J h . ig l tt o ch ki g on rme him in th e n er an e of Br wa er w c fi d i h it c idg t , hich ’ h e h ad obtained from Ful k P a ganel with the knig ht s and th e a owson of th r H e a so o a ne fees dv e Chu ch . l bt i d license to enclose his woods and t o ha ve fr ee warren r ou ou for ar es ar r es and ea sa n s and in th gh t h , p t idg ph t the following year the king ga ve him license t o buil d ree as es—o ne in e on s re ano er at B ri wa er th c tl D v hi , th dg t Th and the r ere er h e s o l n . e (g) , thi d wh v h u d thi k fit king al so gran ted him at th e same time an ample charter for hi s lor dship of B r idgwa ter in th e followin g wo r ds “ o n — e a we th e ra e of God & c . no J h , by g c , , K w y th t ° a e ven and ran e and s resen ar er con h v g t d, by thi p t ch t firm to our e o e and a ul am de B riwere b l v d f ithf Willi ,

r rea men a l e es o se er al wh o (f ) Live y . Formerly g t g ve iv ri t v of a r s w ere no t their fami lies or ser vants to engage them in their qu r el . ’ s was r o e s a u e R a r 11 H enr . Thi p hibit d by t t t ich d . l IV ’ ( 9 Bridgw a ter C as tle s to o d where th e p resent lfi n g s Squ are is

u T ears s n e . b ilt . h e r uins of it s found ations were vi sible abou t 70 y i c he ncient H istor o B ri w ter 10 T A y f dg a .

a B r wat er s a be a ree r u and er e s al th t idg h ll f bo o gh , th h l be a ree mar et and a a r e er ear for ei a s f k f i v y y ght d y , en n f n i mm c on the da of the na o . o co i g y tivity St J h , w th o asta e s a a and al l o er er es a nd r ee t ll , p g , t ll ge, th lib ti f s ms to a ree r u and a mar e and a r b e cu to f bo o gh , to k t f i ' on n The ar er wa s nesse l am M ar l g . ch t wit d by Wi li sh ar of em r e the ar of es er ar of E l P b ok , E l Ch t , E l a i s ur and l am de Ru ibus s e ar of An S l b y, Wi li p , t w d jou, a d a t an f e er s Ar ea on & c . n h e e o . , d t d by h d St W ll , chd c ” In the o f ester at Tr r ne 2nd of o ur re n . Glouc , u o, Ju ig a f the K in ' H en 1216 am de B riwere e r o r . y g y III , , Willi , e n ma e ern r the a s e of o r a ne b i g d gov o of c tl Lidf d, obt i d a r an r m the n of the an s of a de an os g t f o ki g l d M ud Ch d , and a s th e an s of H enr de o um s in Wool av l o l d y C l bu , in ton and the erif of mer se was mman e to g , Sh f So t co d d I n deliver him possession of those lands a ccordingly . the eighth year of the same king h e obtained th e ward s th e e r of e nal de oh n of n s er hip of h i R gi d M u , Du t ,

whom he after wards married to one of his dau ghter s . t e ime f n ar h e oun e t he A e In h t o Ki g Rich d I . f d d bb y ’ of ; a o r s at Torre in the un e on and St S vi u , , co ty of D v , in the 3rd n he e an th e n a on of th e A e . Joh b g fou d ti bb y

o f unkes ell in the same o n for ster an m n s . D w , c u ty Ci ci o k t o n 11 After that h e foun de d the hospital of S . J h ( )

’ t o l w as at the end of E as o er Ii Th e site of . ohn s s a ( ) St J H pit t v , ’ d in di in f or t h e oun a o n of a o u se near t he r esen ue en s an . gg g f d ti h p t Q ea Inn s om e ears a o w as ou n a s one offi n Th e o l o win H d y g f d t c . f l g ’ ‘ ' ~ f n s os a — Geofir e de M a rk 1298 is of mas ers o S t . o is a l t t J h H pit l y , ; Henr d e t amf or 1312 o n d e Wal ch n 1334 omas de y S d, J h y , Th Bad dic ot t 1340 omas P u on 1422 Ro er or 144 9 ohn , Th lt , ; g C y, ; J

H o for 145 omas S en er 1498 Ro er Wal s 1524. l d, 7 Th p c , ; b t h , or ho s es host a erm o f T he wor d hospital is from th e Latin w d p , , t mut ual r elatio n a pplied b oth t o a p erson wh o 10 d 8 and entertains

ano e a nd t h er n e n us o e . h e u of os th r, o t e p s o b i g th l dg d d ty h p i ta lity wa s s o ne cessar y in e arly ages th a t it w as e ven enf or ced by

s a a nd o se wh o ne e e th e u w ere a l e to uni s men . t t utes, th gl ct d d ty li b p h t d It w as t he cu sto m when any s tra nger c alled and as ked f or l e g m ings f or th e m as ter o f t h e hous e an d the stranger t o each of the set a fo o t on t heir own s ide o f t he thr es hol d a nd s wear they w ou ld

of m do an ar m t o t he o e r . neith er the . y h th o t r . l l The Ancient H istory f B r idg zra e .

w a H e a s u th e a s e and the H a en B ridg ter . l o b ilt C tl v t B r w a er and e an the s r u ur e of th e s o ne a idg t , b g t ct t r d e er e ons s n o f ree r ea ar es w b i g th , c i ti g th g t ch , hich mas T Wm om e e Sir T r e . wa s a fter wa rds c pl t d by ho iv tt . h e exan l e of h is a er oun e B riwere u n . a er t a , j , ft q f th , f d d in the wes ern ar o f the wn a r or nor es o r t p t to P i y of Mi it , G rey Fr ia r s (cal led Grey fr om th e colou r of th e dr ess

e ore w h e edi a e . ra n s and en th y w ) , hich d c t d to St F ci , One of the o r s Betteren and his do wed with lands . L d y e wer e rea ene a ors s ou se and his ea r wif g t b f ct to thi h , h t a nd her body were buri ed in this chapel . It seems to

12 riwe e n . A . D 30. Wm. B r u a e een a . h v b built bout , j , The s e o f s r o r w as ran e in th e di ed 1232 . it thi P i y g t d 35th H enr the 8 1543 t o mmanue u ar a oo y th , , E l L k , g dly w n re on th s The e n ow d elling bei g e cted e pot . fi ld kno wn by the name of th e F riar s is th e site of th e Pr iory in u e n h a s a r ea een s a e a in the q stio . It l dy b t t d th t r e n f n riwer e r a r s Al o J o B b B e a e . ig h , uilt idgw t C tl tho u gh ancient historians ha ve spoken of cas tles a s seats o f o r ess on a t mes e r n e o n ers s a e rea pp i , ti th i obl w di pl y d g t os a and the in uen e e ssesse o a ne h pit lity, by fl c th y po d bt i d f or wns r e es r om the r n w wer e mo s to p ivil g f C ow , hich t a ua e and n rea se e r m o r an e in a ma v l bl , i c d th i i p t c ‘ ter ial r e Th e a s e of r a er a deg e . C tl B idgw t h ving e o n e t o su o er l ar ons and a n een at b l g d ch p w fu b , h vi g b en es e in th e ro n wa s n ou e of mu l gth v t d c w , u d bt dly ch

a ue to th e wn . r D a wbenn m n v l to Lo d y, to who Ki g H enr y VII gran te d fee-farm r ent out of th e to wn of

It was this c eremony that r aised s o much hor ror against those w ho i o a e th e r of h os a nasmu as e were oo e u o v l t d ight pit lity, i ch th y l k d p n a s er ur e p j d .

T he o s a of St . o n at B r wa er w as no ou a rea H pit l J h , idg t , d bt g t bles sing to poo r pil gr ims on their w ay t o Glas tonbur y from Devon o rnw a l an d s eems th nfi an s C l , it e i rm d di eas ed were most kindly and a m r o e f o r ply p vid d .

o se nst t u ons a ou not ne essa r in ou r a s w ere nown Th i i ti lth gh c y d y , k in ea rly a ges as s ea ts o f lea r ning and sacr ed r es ting pl aces f o r all who so u in se us on a e a n e ght cl i th t p ce which th e wor ld de i d them . he Ancient H is tor o B r id wate 12 T y f g r .

B r wa er a nd o f a n s a e the ro er o f the o r idg t , l d l t p p ty L d f au r wa s s en m the no e Z ou and . e e ro ch St M , d c d d bl ’ a m D Al bini Br o se an es or o er T odeni f ily, it , who c t , R b t , wa s one o f th e victor iou s Chiefta in s th at accompani ed am ke o rman n o n an a nd a er Willi Du of N dy i t E gl d , ft ms a t B e o r a s h a er o f ward s sea ted hi elf lv i C tle . T e f th Sir m D a n r s r Dawb enn wa s W . wbe n o f thi Lo d y y, Lo d the an r o f ou e er n and h e ms e wa s a M o S th P th to , hi lf a n uen e w n H enr In person o f gre t i fl c ith Ki g y VII . the 17 war . 1476 be n en o ne o f the es u res Ed d IV , , i g th q i o f th e o th e n h e h ad in ons era on b dy of ki g, , c id ti of his m any services a grant for life of the cu stody of th e ’ n s ar o r e er on and in th e 14 ear Ki g P k , N th P th t , th y . of t h e same reign wa s retained to ser ve the King in - - n Normandy with fou r men at a rms and fifty archers . O the a ess n o f ar th e r ne s es D a w cc io Rich d to th o , thi Gil benny wa s one o f those consulted by M ar ga ret Countess o f mon mo er H enr on th e r n n Rich d, th of y VII, b i gi g ” A er th e r of B swor in a r n e. of th t p i c ft victo y o th , when King Richar d wa s sl ain and th e cr own placed o n the ea of his su ess u om e or n H enr h d cc f l c p tit , Ki g y a o n e him b e o ne of his hi e oun or s a so pp i t d to c f c cill , l co nstabl e of the Ca stle o f B r istol and M a ster of the n H e e se a an e him t o th e i n of a Mi t . lik wi dv c d d g ity

aro n th e e o f or D awb enn . In th e 19th o f b , by t itl L d y H enr V II 15 03 h e w a s ma e on s a e of the as e y , , d c t bl c tl o f B r wa er and ou r ear s a erwar s e a r e s idg t , f y ft d d p t d thi ’ m n r l e and wa s n erre at . au s a e es s e . if , i t d St P l Ch p l, W t i t B his e a e au er of Sir n Ar n e y wif , Eliz b th , d ght Joh u d l , ‘ Ll anh erne kni ht h e h ad ssu e H enr hi s o n son of , g , i , y, ly u r e T son H e nr in the 6t and one a e . s h d ght , C cily hi y, 1 15 14 h ad a s a n o f all th e of H enr 1 . e y V I , , p ci l livi g an s his a er ed o ssesse and in th e 3oth l d of which f th di p d, of th e same r e n 1539 wa s a an e to the e of ig , , dv c d titl ar o f B r d a er H e marr e a er ne au er E l i gw t . i d C th i , d ght of T omas H owar u e orfol k bu n ou h d, D k of N , t dyi g with t am n rom the er usa of th i ssue th e title bec e exti ct . F p l e l e of r D awbenn is e en a th e me in if Lo d y, it vid t th t ti /i c n e t i r r id a/cr 13 T A ci n H sto y of B g w .

h e e was mos unse e a nd a ra ss and which liv d t ttl d h ing , that th e noblest str uggled fo r po w er and rank irrespec tive of th e sufferings of those wh o r ai sed them to their em nen U on th e s on of th e es a e of the am i ce . p divi i t t f ily of Briwere t he as e and manor of B r wa e r el t o , c tl idg t f l th e e es s s er re a who wa s ma rr e to e na ld t i t , G ci , i d R gi ld B r h B r aose or of Br e no . e na ao se e t e , L d ck ck R gi ld di d 6th of H enr 1222 ea n ssu e th e sa re a y III , , l vi g i by id G ci , W am his son and he r wh o wa s a er war s a ssass n illi , i , ft d i

a e e e l n r n e of a es . H is e es da u h t d by Ll w l y , P i c W l ld t g t er au e marr e o er de r mer t o w om th e , M d , i d R g Mo ti , h ne of th or m r s e am e stl e of Br idgwater fell . O e M ti e b c at en ar of ar th e as of om ma rr e Ann l gth E l M ch , l t wh i d , th e au er of war ar of a for and de ar e d ght Ed d, E l St f d, p t d s e on the 19th an uar 1424 e n en a ou thi lif J y, , b i g th b t 24 a r f a H e e w o u ssue ereu on e s o e. y g di d ith t i , wh p ar u e o f & o r wa s an n u s on oun to Rich d, D k k , , by i q i iti , f d be ne o f kin the an s of the ar of ar sa s Sir xt , l d E l M ch , ( y W u a e er h n n an and m . D gd l ) w e in t e cou ties of E gl d Wa es and w ere man and rea amon em th e a s e l , y g t, g th c tl and the r a r th e orou o f B r d wa er w thi d p t of b gh i g t , ith the manor s H a rove and or e er on Th e of yg N th P th t . e of & r mar r e e a er a e Duk o k i d C cily, d ught of R lph N v e E ar of Wes mo re an in 1460 ea n ssu e ill , l t l d, , l vi g i ar n er e his es a es Th e as e and Edw d IV . , who i h it d t t . c tl the r ar th e manor of B r wa er w o er thi d p t of idg t , ith th an u s am in the r own a a t u s e e es e . w s s b l d , th b c v t d C It ’ sequent period s held by th e Qu een s Conso r t of En glan d a nd in thi s r ight th ey h a d a sha r e in the pa tr onage o f th 4 s e H o s a of . o n w in 152 w a e pit l St J h , hich , divid d n o ree a r s on e of e on e t o a er ne i t th p t , which b l g d C th i , ueen of n an and th e two o er a r s H enr Q E gl d, th p t to y, r de D aw enn n o b . a r es e er s a en L d y Ki g Ch l , by l tt p t t , ear n a e 11th o f l in th e se on ear o f s b i g d t Ju y, c d y thi r e n 1625 ran e Sir am mo re a nd ig , , g t d to Willi Whit , eor e more s and e r e t ma n E . rs he or G g Whit , q , th i h i , and as e o f B r a er The mor th c tl idgw t . Whit es sold e man r of B rid wat er a and man r o f H r ve & s e a o c . o g C tl o yg , T/i e A ncient H istor o d wa er y f B r i g t .

t o H enr H a r e E s . o f B r wa er who h ad ssu e y v y , q , idg t , i t wo sons H enr and Th f ese two in o n . e e er o , y J h ld th herited th e e sta e but a n no ssue a e i t , h vi g i g v it by w ll , a e 1669 hi n The ea of s e n in 1790. d t d , to u cl Joh h d the am wa s me e w o er H ar e . some f ily R b t v y, M D . ti F llo o f ne e e am r e The a s e was ease Syd Coll g , C b idg . c tl l d ’ o ut Hinr H ar ve to war n am the K n s by y y Ed d Wy dh , i g o erno r 1645 e n ea rs e o r e the s e e ereo g v , , b i g two y b f i g th f the a by P rliamentary army under Sir Thoma s Fa irfax .

In order to understand th e nature of the proceedi ngs in this part of Somersetshir e in the year 1645 between t he a and ar a men ar arm es th e o rmer com Roy l P li t y i , f manded o r or n the a er Sir T omas by L d G i g, l tt by h a r a w b e n e essar t o a u e to the era ons F i f x, it ill c y ll d op ti w re e e the a e o f Lan or t mo re ar u ar hich p c d d b ttl gp , p tic l ly a s th e victory gained at that place by the Parlia menta ry ar my l ed to the siege and stormin g of Bridgwater . r aren on in his s r o f th e r ebe on and Lo d Cl d hi to y lli , Spr ugge in his hi story of th e actio ns and successes of ’ Sir T oma s a r a s arm e er w a er s ub h F i f x y , tog th ith p p p l ish ed ar amen a re the rin a au or es fo r by P li t , p cip l th iti th e a A ou th innin J u a o n e r n . e be r l tio b t g of ly, cc di g t o o r ar en on Sir T oma s a rfa en ere merse L d Cl d , h F i x t d So t

' s re w oun w th e e e i on of Taunton hi , hich c ty ( ith xc pt , which Was defended by Blake o f Bridgwater ) wa s th en a o e er in th e o er the in r orin who lt g th p w of K g . Lo d G g, omman e th e a arm h ad o n n en en c d d Roy l y, f u d it co v i t to ra w his or es r m the s e e o f Ta n n and he a d f c f o i g u to , p eared a an e a a ns Sir T mas a r ax as h e p to dv c g i t ho F i f , if intended to give him battle; L or d Gorin g po st ed his a rmy between the r ivers abo u t Lan gport very ad van ta eou sl for th e e en e a in a of orse an d g y d f c , h v g body h fo ot b ut little inferior in number to the Parliamentary a rm a ou rea ne en e he had al o e y, lth gh , by g t glig c , l w d his fo o t soldier s to moul der away before Taunton for wan r s n s st his or semen en o e t t of p ovi io , whil h j y d y e en t x e H e had e n in th e n of pljp v o e c ss . b e vici ity g e t i t r o r id wa t r 15 Tl i e A nci n H s o y f B g e .

or t but a e r few a s w en the ar amen a r or es p v y d y h P li t y f c , a t noon a sur r se a e a men o f m re an d y , p i d d t ch t o th mman e enera o r e r A o u e rse o . ho , c d d by G l P t lth gh th y were in a a e a nd o u a e s er ne t he enem v ll y, c ld h v di c d y ' ‘ c oming down th e hill a t the dis tan ce o t h al t a mile a t l ea st ’ Fa i rfax s troops wer e upon them befo r e the dragoo ns ou moun e r or ses w were ra n i n an ad c ld t th i h , hich g zi g man of o n n e . T e were en re r ou e a nd j i i g fi ld h y ti ly t d , y

em a en r soners . The ne da no w s an n al l th t k p i xt y, t ith t di g a an a es of asses a nd os o ns an o er ar of Sir dv t bg p p iti , th ty ’ Thoma s Fa irfax s cav al i y a ttacked t he whole of th e o a a rm r o u e i t and oo t wo e es o f annon R y l y, t d , t k pi c c , ’ and rsue or o r n s so ers rou an or pu d L d G i g ldi th gh L gp t, a town which ( says th e histor ian) if it h ad been w ell ar r an e a nd the eo e not resse ou have g d, p pl opp d , w ld s e ere h im and res s e th e en em and ro e em h lt d i t d y, d v th to the wa s of Br a er t o w a e his or s ll idgw t , hich pl c l d hip r e re i n r a s r H e r es e re a n e o er . e ti d g t di d t d th th t ight, ea n to the a rr son B r a er th e ann on am l vi g g i of idgw t c , m n n and ar r a es a nd a s ma n so er s a s the u itio c i g , y ldi o ernm n Th da r n r e e es re . e ne o or G v t d i d xt y L d G i gtD re n e ns re a er a sa s er w was no l ess ti d i to D vo hi , ft di t hich an the e ea th e o e o a arm H is o r s th d f t of wh l R y l y . l d hip r e r e B arn s a e and u ar ere his ar m o er the ti d to t pl , q t d y v

e nor e n Th e o n is th e o o f a . whol th of D vo . f llowi g c py commun ica tion containing extracts from a diary k ept in 1645 and a resse Sir T oma s a r a to th e P a r , dd d by h F i f x l iament n e a s of th e e en s r e erre to , givi g d t il v t f d

An account I gave you in my la st of o ur affairs till es er a e o r n the o a s G enera w h y t d y . I l ft G i g, ( R y li t l) it his w arm at an & s er a we a an e hol e y L gport . e t d y dv c d to on n raw n out a ar o f the ar m w L g Sutto , d i g th t p t y hich we had n u n d n r 4 0 t o o e . The r s e om 0 i to S tt fi l e t, b i g f 5 00 orse and ra oon s at th e ea s u n er th e omman h d g l t, d c d of a or - enera a sse were on th e o er s e of th e M j G l M y, th id r er and ose e re men s of o w we had iv , th ight gi t f ot hich , at Nase e ere a s ar ere at ar c . M as by Fi ld, w l o qu t d M to k 16 Tim A ncient H istory of B r idgwa ter

se a an e w h h is orse a nd ra oons h . y dv c d it h d g , t o a em to o r urr e n o r ere b ck th , N th C y , b i g d d ’ th e enemy s q uar ters a nd to hinder them e s b a u re& pl unde ring exercis . It eems five d e n u on so me es n o ut o f a e and b i g p d ig pl c , ’ n e en e o f enera asse s m emen s i t llig c G l M y ov t , B n in a r se . e are ess o s on h e e p i d i g c l p iti , f ll the r es e n n ne o rs 200 r soners ult b i g i c lou , , p i

‘ 250 orse a ou 30 e n s a n We in the h , b t b i g l i . , w ere rawn w n a m e an r d up ithi il of L gpo t, r s nd oo th e en m c ho e a f t G eral had with hi . N o f his en a emen a nd er e e n ree r e g g t, th b i g th iv him a nd u s and the wa a mo s we e mil , y l t t lv th e a s n we ua r ere at u on and th l t ight q t d S tt , ’ ree o o re n o u o n e a by th cl ck d w i t S tt Fi ld , h vi b ut ur re men s o f o r se— name Gen fo gi t h ly . ’ ’ ’ we s Wh al l e s a r Fl eet wood s an ll , y , Rich d w were no t in al l r e O o o s . hich h f fo t , t mu s u e n b ut h e q ete r s o f th ree r egime ts . E m rn n th e enem a eare in t he e and a o i g y pp d fi ld , ’ o clo ck they h ad made themsel v es ma ster s of a

‘ l a in th e m s e we en u s and em w y id t b t th , mu sq ueteer s s o tha t t he pa ssage t o th t r emel an er u s e n so s ra a y d g o , b i g t ight th t o u ar a ss a r eas and a u to th e c ld h dly p b t , th t p — w a ter they ly in g so in th e flanks a nd fro nts u I n a o stur s oo n ea r s . th t p e they t d till a n in th e n er m sen a wa mos o f h vi g, i t i , t y t a nd a a e l ed o r ses a nd o er um er t o 15 b gg g , h th l b b eing r esolved t o mak e go o d their r etr ea t thi un der standin g th eir intention s by so me scou t o un r men reso e t o ar e em and a c t y , lv d ch g th , dr ew down a commanded pa r ty of musquete em rom th e e es w was one in th f h dg , hich d g a dvancin g a t th e same time with two r egime n o th ane Al l a we ou ra w u in i t e l . th t c ld d p b ut a s n e tr0 0 a nd a mman e i gl p , th t co d d T he enem stan n r ea w tw o i es y, di g dy ith bod

n is t r r id 18 T he Ancie t H o y of B g wa ter .

an e at U l w ame to B r d a er es er l d d phil , hich c i gw t y t Sir s is all at resen r m ou r aff na e da . o e y , thi p t, f y ctio t , m e ser an A RF I A& . hu bl v t, F ’

an r l 10 7 co . L gpo t, Ju y , o l ck

Th e s ou rou wa of o s s r for r er c t b ght, by y p t c ipt fu th sa s ac on the o o win The w as er hot ti f ti , f ll g fight v y , ’ a nd a s e a u two u r A o u r ee o o o r n l t d bo t ho s . b t th cl ck G i g mse was et Br wa er r n e ar es e n hi lf g to idg t , P i c Ch l b i g one r m en e e ore and or H o on w him to g f o th c b f , L d pt ith ,

' Barns a e w ree r o s o rse to r a se w a t pl , ith th t o p of h , i h t fo rces they could in those pa rts t o j o in with th ose tha t w e e c me rom r n u r wa one th e r to o f G e ville. R pe t s g to n e r i hn B r a wn off fo r so me e. S r e e wa s r Ki g b fo Jo k ly d , d s n en or er o wa r s e er but is e i e e i co t t oth , t d Ex t , , it b l v d , is re u n ren l e Th e a a ers seem t o b e t r ing with G vi l . c v li er s r o u for e r sse s n u n 300 s a n and v y o r wf l th i lo , i cl di g l i l eft dead on the place ; divers ofli cers carri ed dea d a nd s ome n n o B r The r s ner s nu m e wa er . wou d d i t idg t p i o , — b er n o usan n u de the o n z i g tw tho d , i cl d f llowi g Six c onel s so me om are n o or o s n en ar es ol , of wh t i u i c di i ; o u r ee n e u enan s o ne s and ma or s 100 a ains f t li t t , c lo l j ; c pt a n o T er e so u re d th er oflicer s of note. h e w re al ca pt d o r se or t- o r s o rse an d feet arm s h , f y c lou ofh , , ' s o s ar nes fi rel ocks mu s e s es and t wo ie ces p i t l , c bi , , k t , pik p o f o r dnanee si ar oa ds of ammun n o wder ma , x c tl itio , p , tch , a nd al l e r ba and a a e e ef on the th i g b gg g which th y l t . ” fi eld .

’ The ne da 11 a r a s arm was a s xt y, July , F i f x y I a e s e ra n u on Wes o n r near P enz o h v tat d , d w p t Moo , y un — a n i r the s ua on P o d Jul 12 . F irfax reccn o t ed it ti o f B rid watel and n a r e u ar or a on w g , fou d g l f tific ti ith a ar un r ee e e w w a er a t ditch o d thi ty f t wid , fill d ith t e ver e an d the arr son o ns s n o f y tid , g i c i ti g — — soldier s a castle o f strength within it and forty ieces of cannon mounte d on the walls besides a an n a a n s o f parge qu tity o f a mmunition . The i h bit t 19 T/i e A ncient H istory of B r idgwa ter .

r wa er e s o u fo r the n and e wan e B idg t h ld t tly Ki g, th y t d n ot for o ura e w wa s soon t o be u t t o th e es c g , hich p t t 1 45 The nera a nd eu ena n - enera 26th J u 6 . e ly , g l li t t g l and some o th er officers went in th e afternoon t o view t he wo r s rom en e e wer e sa u e a annon k , f th c th y l t d by c s o the amo u s a n am who the h t by f L dy Wy dh , bid rum e er e th e ener a sh e oul do no es s and t p t t ll g l c d l , if w a o ur ti er h e w l th e On un a h e a s o e . c u d do lik S d y , r es e at e o th e ea - uar er s a a ou r us t d Ch dz y , h d q t , gl d th t b i ness a e u s er fo r a re iou s res w of a e g v lib ty lig t, hich l t n o In the a er w e ha ve bee very happy in bser ving . ft ’ noo n ame t o u s o one O Re who w his ra o ns c C l l y, ith d g o a nd the a ss s an e of some oo o in Boro Chur ch i t c f t , to k , ugh , 150 r soners wh o r en ere u mse es e r p i , d d p the lv with th i ’ rm s and w a e h a The o ern r s name was a h t th y d . g v o n am Th e nera au ossesse a G ree h . ge l c sed it to be p d by ar of o o t u r er o r er e a en On on da p ty f t ill f th d s b t k . M y we e an to n o f th e ne ess of mo n and a so b g thi k c ity vi g , l t h e rea m or an e of a n the o wn o f B r wa er g t i p t c t ki g t idg t , oss e wh we find s ro n or e in r e ar o f if p ibl , ich t gly f tifi d g d the a an a e o f the wa er rawn a ou and man dv t g t d b t it , y r nan e in it o r n h A s orm a n e em al l is . o d c , G i g h vi g l ft th t w a s ou of and r o s on m a de a or n b ut the th ght , p vi i cc di gly , n e n rea t m or an e ou r o fli cer s e n er thi g b i g of g i p t c , b i g v y tende r of the ho no ur of th e army and th e lives of t heir men ou t o e er m re er ain n orma on , th ght fit d f it till o c t i f ti m be h ad o f th e wor s and ren es and u r e ight k t ch , f ll p a ration ma e m s r ea . T ere o re w en e wer e a p d h f , h th y l o t dy t o a on e w ere d ra wn o ff on a n a e and f ll , th y M d y ight l t , r e ur ne t o e r u ar T e en n r u th e er s . s t d th i q t hi v i g, th o gh rea oo ness of God th e enera a nd eu enan g t g d , g l li t t & enera es a e a er rea an er wa er ass n g l c p d v y g t d g by t , p i g t h e r iver in a boa t which wa s within two minu tes o f being o ver tu r ned by t he violence o f th e tide called the “ E a er om n u on e n T s a morn n g c i g p th m . O ue d y i g o o ne a sse a me n ear o u r uar er s at ed o C l l M y c q t Ch z y, where a co uncil o f war wa s called concerning the town o f B r wa er and w reso e a e s ou o on idg t , hich lv d th t w h ld g & O er rom ( liv C well) . 20 The Ancient H istor o B rid wa ter y f g . in ma n al l re a ra ns if e r e oo ki g p p tio which , th y p ov d g d , and ou r intelligence c ro ssed not th e h0pe s o f prevailing s rm was su en to be a em e o er se to by to , it dd ly tt pt d , th wi We ha e s be blocked up . v the e two da ys taken some esse s min to a nd o n rom Br a er ad en v l co g , g i g f idgw t , l w t ma a s & c . esse s a e een a en us i h lt, o t , Six v l h v b t k by n in al l since coming hither . O Wedn es day and Th ur s day preparations were diligently made for an a ttempt u pon th e town b ut findi ng t h e ditch ar oun d the works fi l e w a er e n six a rds e and the o wn l d ith w t , b i g — y wid , t we ll furnis he d with men the inhabitan ts inclined to

‘ Ro a and a n th e e am e of so m war ness y lty, h vi g —x pl uch i given u s by other a rmies it is thought it will no t b e e e en to ut to su a a ar bu t ra er s n e xp di t p it ch h z d, th , i c ere is some r abi of s ar n in a e me th p ob lity t vi g it littl ti , t s en some a en e u on ns er n a own of o p d p ti c p it, co id i g it t rea m o r an e to th e el ar e of the Wes and g t i p t c w f t, with out consider in g that the blo cki n g up of thi s town will not be a o a m e men t o o er n o f a on a s we t t l i p di t th ki d cti , mo n T s day e n r o e ne ee e s ra e . a h p xt w k to d t t hi , b i g S tu da a ar orse is sen war s ondon mee y , p ty of h t to d L to t and r n u r e r s and th e enera and the res of t e b i g p c uit , g l t h ffi er s ar e in th e e near th e wn se n uar er s o c fi ld to , ttli g q t to o u the n the er or s or a n some bl ck p tow to v y w k , t ki g qui cker resolu tion that th e army may b e l ikely to be disposed to make as may b e best for the service of the

om . A I RFA& kingd F . l 1 a e r m e nea r Br a er u 645 . D t d f o Ch dzoy, idgw t , J y,

’ At length Lieutenant - General H ammond cau sed eight r es a r ee on to be re are and ese b idg , bout fo ty f t l g, p p d , th er e of rea u se in s orm n t e o n Br a er w g t t i g h t w of idgw t ,

a e a t er ns era e ns a on Gen. which took pl c f co id bl co ult ti . a sse wa s to make an a a o n the H am s e M y tt ck id , with re men s of o one W en o ne r es ue the gi t C l l ild , C lo Fo t c , ’ - n men Colonel H erbert an d the Major Ge eral s own regi t . ’ o n s and a s e e s e wa s s e eneral On St . J h C tl Fi ld id p o t d G ’ m e s r e imen Sir H ar nes s Wa ers C ro w ll g t, with d ll , ncient H istor o B rid wa ter The A y f g . 2 1

nd o one a insborou h e era Colonel P ride a C l l R g . Th Gen l r e the r er and ro e aro n the o n to see if al l fo d d iv , d u d t w m a w s r ea s s l on e er . T a dy, that both ide ight f l tog th he Castle wal l on t he north side was ver high and the moa ee and etween or h a e an t e was t d p , b N t G t Wes Gat a batter y ( a par t of the wall of this battery can be now seen n t e o f s e o f t e moa i ere l l ) o h f id h t, wh ch hind d a a r oa h at w . O nda Mr . P e s rea c e pp c th ay n Su y, ter p h d m h o n a n en ura n se n in t re a d M r . co gi g r o e f noo , n t rn h m n er in e n . T e e nen B o wles a oth he aft oo i t M r . B a er wh o was r es nt at the r a a on w xt , p e g e t cti , as n n i e i sc e o h s u er t no t wa ti g n th d harg f i d ty . Aft he sen ons t e rums a to ar s a e ar was a m h d be t m , nd th my dr wn

in h e e s H e and B er e o s up t fi ld about ors y ow . Th c m ” or e of the forlorn hope and the soldiers were

re e o rt e to o heir dut Mr . P rs be f sh xh d d t by ete , who a e a a er s so t ew r t h v d th t d y with en gy, on as i gr da k he soldier s d rew towards the several pos ts al lotted them The s o t was t o b t e n to storm. igna l f a tack e h shoo ti g off es of r anc e W t e r s e three piec o dn , hich h fo ce on th Hemp s e er t o a e i e f n to a n s nt id w e t k not c o . a d ttacken the i ta . Before the action Sir Thomas Fairfax sent a summons to e ernor and owns e e to surre r but W n th gov t p opl nde , y d am l ke the r es t of the ca a iers did n t ant for o r h , i v l , o w w ds

o efi ce and eturned as cornful ans . W s f d an , r wer hile Mas so troops keptal armizng the enemy o n the so uth side th o w L u enant C o e He l d the o r 0 e t n, ie t ol n l wson e f rlo n t t e eas end and was va liantl sec n e b t hope a h t , . o d d y he ’ general s own regiment commande by Lieutenant. ’ e a so and ieu enant- ene a r mwe Colon l J ck n. L t G r l C o ll s

r en c mmanded b o l nel Shfi ld . T e d egim t, o y C o A e h bri ges prepared by Colonel Hammond we re quickly br o ught h f el r wn t o a t e i an o . to t e di ch C s l F d. d th o ver On the So d ers assed it t e these l i p w h lit l loss, and with un daunted courage mounted the works the enemy had a e beat t em from heir or nan e d u r is d, h t d c , an t rned the r n w W e o ~ la e o the n. hil Ca ain Re n lds r0 tt to pt y , of C m ’ re iment o f se dr th e r well s g hor , ove e cavali rs f om the 22 T/z e A ncient H istor o B rid wa y f g ter .

’ w e a o n s a a s sa e wa s a dra b ridg t St . J h p g m de t o E a st

a e w wa s o r e o en . e no s en er n a s G t hich f c d p R y ld t i g E t , er w his o rse s ou re th e s ree s o f a a r of ov ith h , c d t t th t p t th e own u th e s one r e o er th e r er u on t p to t b idg v iv , p the o er s a nd so er s to the n um er of 600 which ffic ldi , b , h ad ma e r es s an e in as o er rew o n e r who d i t c E t v , th d w th i ” nd u r er a r r a rm s a r e a e . T er e was at a c i d Q t , qu t h th t me a a e on th e r e w er e the enem ins an ti g t b idg , h y t tly m a e arr a es and re u a ra w r e The a r a d b ic d d w p d b idg . P li men ar r es h a d not een two ou rs in as o er t y fo c b h E t v , ’ before th e Kin g s fo r ces sho t grenades and sl ugs of ho t

ron w r e th e s ree on o s es . The ne i , hich fi d t t b th id xt morn n was urn to th e ro n the e e on i g it b t g u d, with xc pti

of ree o r o ur o uses . n s s e of oo we n s th f h It co i t d g dly d lli g . ’ Major Co wel l and C olonel H arley s r egiment stoo d in th e mi s s wa s in ames on o s des and d t whil t it fl b th i , nt th n m a n a kept guard to preve e e e ies s llyi g . Gener l a r ax o n the s orm m a e so wrou u on F i f , h pi g t ight h v ght p the soldi ers and th e fi re on t he townsmen that they wou a e ear ene a rea renewe his sum ld h v h k d to t ty, d m n s w th e o ern r er em r re use a s o , hich g v o p pto ily f d , if it was his n en a so a r a own s oul be es ro e i t t t h t f i t h d d t y d , for h e ne he u at th e r s b ut b e a r soner of k w co ld, wo t, p i T ere as n o e his ein re e e a nd th war . w e h hop of b g li v d, r esistance th e Royali sts made h ad more phrensy in it en e sa as in a a than cour a ge . Wh th y w E tover bl ze they r an g th e bell s and set fire themselves to man y hou ses in er - s ree F riarn ree and th e - r ss Silv t t, St t Pig c o , which e r m n ar a er n es sho wed the eff cts of it fo a y ye s ft . O Tu day (th e next day) General Fairfax resolved to alarm t he wn on the ea s s e l e enera a sse s rme to t id , whi G l M y to d

on the so u . T a reso n was we er an e it th h t lutio , ho v , ch g d t o an a ar m on s es at w the enem wa s l both id , hich y mu ama e and a an ne e r ne on the s ch z d, b do d th i li outh ’ s ar th n A u two o a da a nd we t p t of e tow . bo t clock th t y h e enera sen a rum e the ernor a mes t g l t t p t to gov , with sa ge t o the pu rpor t tha t his denia l on fa ir terms h ad bro ught him no o ther thoughts but of compa ssio n to

24 The A ncient H istor o B r id wa ter y f g .

rno r The r ea n f r rea an amo un r ure e . so o so g t t o f t ea s e n o n was a the ava er en r had b i g f u d th t c li g t y , the a a en ar s sen in er e r ewe s a e dj c t p t , t thith th i j l , pl t ,

& c . and e r es ou se o urn ure o o ne W n d , th i b t h h ld f it , C l l y ham n a a ssur e th e n a ou not b e a en . , h vi g d Ki g th t it c ld t k A large qu antity of pl ate and r ich hangin gs were car ried ence en on and ere s to ra se the o un th to L d , th old i b ty ’ mone for a r a s so er s who w ere at the st rm y F i f x ldi , o , which was regarded as the mo st fur iou s of a ny in th e war and the r e r s a ua h e own of th e o as e . , p iz vict v l bl t is sta ted to ha ve been at tha t time about four miles in c rcum eren e and for it s s e to a e een a e to i f c , , iz , h v b bl boast of hou ses a s well bu ilt a s any in th e West of E n an The a o n of th e s e e ear s re es gl d . cc u t i g b di ct t ti m n to the o ra e w the own w a s e en e o y c u g with hich t d f d d , and t rmn a an In to he fi ess and loyalty of the inh bit ts. four or fi v e different pl aces the fire bla zed whil st the cannon shots ra ttled their for cible summons to sur ren der and r ven e rem th e e rnor su m e ; , d i by xt ity, gov b itt d in order to prevent th e sa va ge ma ssac re of th e inhabi an s th e s r th e a r amen a r arm t t by e xcited oldie y of P li t y y . Wyndham seems to have been a man of most heroic Coura e a nd was n re a e on a t a s to e g , o ly p v il d l t yi ld by t e ur h gent entreaties of tho se around him .

In re erence t o th e e en s a r ea re or e the e e f v t l dy c d d, c l H e wa brat ed Admiral Blake must n ot be omitted . s bOrn and e u a e at B r d a er w ere at t a me d c t d i gw t , h h t ti ere was a rain H e af erwar s Wen to th G mar School . t d t H e was r e urne as O f ord ere h e on r s . x , wh took h ou t d mem er for B r wa er in 1640 and r n e Was b idg t , by p i cipl a r an and ne Cr omvvel l was the a es enera Pu it , xt to bl t g l they had but wh en the Kin g wa s brought to tri al h e a r e an d wa - re u en ea r to sa was an pp ov d of it . s f q tly h d y it l e a measure an d a h e w u r s his e to sa e i l g l , th t o ld i k lif v n th a r amen the Ki g as rea dily a s h e had to ser ve e P li t . W en h e had the omm an d o f the ee and an of the h c fl t, y ffi ers s o e of the G o ernmen he sa to em o c p k v t , id th ,

r id er 26 The A ncient H istory of B g wa t .

‘ m ne t e s ou d mar o fi in th e n an i d h y h l ch ight , r se the enem the u e o ser n a no 111 p i y , d k b vi g th t b e done b ut t o lo ck u p th e stable door a nd r o er in e r l dmixo n wh o ms s e s . O t o p th i b d , hi na e the o wn and w o se - om s ne is n tiv of t , h t b to ’ seen in ar s u r ar d s a es a h e St . M y Ch chy , t t th t u e and his arm ea e on r a n d k y l v F id y ight , w e en ea of r um and the s r e ithout v b t d , t ict w e r e given to ob serve silence a s much a s po ssibl took a s th ei r gu ide a ma n named B enj amin Ne r tho roughl y un d ers too d th e path throu gh Brad A l l en w el l e a r r e in e em o r w t l ti l th y iv d S dg o , or u na e ew on e ame ew ere no t f t t ly , N t b c b ild d, b t o th e str a nge and r espon sible po sition he was Although h e thought h e could find th e ford o n o e h e l ed th e a rm a o e a nd w bli df ld d , y b v it, confusion followed a sho t wa s fired by an ofiic wa s su o se wa s a ra or to th e a use E pp d , t it c ( a a n H u u n The no se al a er of Ta n . C pt i ck , to ) i ’ ’ n s r o unbar ton s re men arou se Ki g t ops . D gi t emse v s in H ad th e we e se th l e order . ll d vi d p d uke succ eeded his for ces wo uld have marche n o th e enem s en s and a s th e so er s i t y t t , ldi h r ea of the s emen the err r of th e w d d cyth , t o e er w the a r ness of th e n woul g th ith d k ight, d h B u t a s i t wa er on u s on in e r r an s . utt c f i th i k , a tely a special messenger wa s sent t o su mmo ‘ o f Fever sham wh was in b ed at Westonz o ] , o y ’ s o n arr e and at a ou one o o in the o iv d, b t cl ck the omm n Th e a e wa s an o st fight c e ced . b ttl b ’ At first it went in fa vo ur o f the duke s fo rc some me e wan e ammu n n w ti th y t d itio , hich t earn es fo r w a s ro e a er the a ] tly . It p v d ft b tt men in char ge o f th e w a ggon s l oaded with t nitio n a o u h ea o us in t he a u se were in , lth g z l c , t o pro ceed fro m an ala rm bein g given that wa o s Th e r er er eu on ur ne th s l t . d iv s th p t d and the want o f this a mmunitio n wa s said

s o r id e l r 28 Tbe Ancient H i tory f B g m c .

a r the a s - name e n r e r e e 111 . o er H e E R g , l t d b i g p i v d t a ne r ums an e of some n er es is he g llo ws . O ci c t c i t t o f a ma n who wa s taken p risoner at Shapwick . “ name wa s wa ne and he was r e o rt e a s one of S i , p d A er h e wa s to mo st active men in th e co untry . ft ison er h e consented to g o quie tly with his captor grid water ere to be r ed h e was a o wed t o 1 g , th t i , if ll t see ‘ r ee ea s . The s d er s e n anx s o th l p ol i , b i g iou a ran e T e ere in a e d near oc gility , g t d it . h y w fi l L k \V d H e ea e o war th e w o ea l ea bein oo . s l p d t d o d , ch p g ee a nd dar e n o the o and a er all f t , t d i t wo d , ft t e wa s m re effo r ts they could no t find him a gain. H o t unate an a no er oor man o f es on o an d th th p W t z yl , H e was w a s also rema rkable fo r his s wiftness o f foo t . va il ed Upon on a condition o f being pardoned t o enter t he general with an instance of his a gility . Accordi a n s r e mse na e a a er wa s ut ro h vi g t ipp d hi lf k d , h lt p his n e and the o s e en d bf was a s ene to ck , ppo it it f t d n k o f a T s ar e at Bu ssex ne and e rse . e c ho h y t t d Rhi , r om en e B rint sfiel d- r e a d s an e some f th c to b idg , i t c e ee n al a m e and ou th e rse en a t xc di g h f il , th gh ho w t N otw Speed t h e man kept pace the whole w ay . standin this exer tion (it is said) h e was afterW' n W th t he res hu g 1 t .

P L ACE S I N T H E E I G H B U RH D N O OO .

Ther e ar e marks o f antiquity and interest in n e ou r oo B r wa er and th e o n ighb h d of idg t , f llowi g been gathere d from ancient r ecords and ol d author The village o f Cannington wa s once the abode of Ca n a r e of a n B r n T r a re e en e f 1 t ib cient ito s . he e vid c s o

o r a on s in ann n on ar Tra n e . f tific ti C i gt P k . ditio t ll tha t th e legions of Rome passed this w ay at the t o f the n as on of s ou n r in the r e n of E m i v i thi c t y, ig p C au u At r a m e m r l di s . Stea t few il s fro Bridgwate was The Ancient H istory of 29

w a n e a B r s a rr w i Combwich covered wha t s o c iti h b o ( ) . h a s the traditio na l h onou r of being the landin g pl ac e

' o f o se h o f Ar ma ea who r s rea e th e os e a t J p i th , fi t p ch d g p l w f l ) o ur e a s on ur . o rse a s the sea o o Gl t b y U) St gu y t C c y , a N orman n to w o m ann n on wa s awa r e , ’ k ight h C i gt d d r r l am th on u r ann n on fo his se vices to Wil i e C q e or . C i gt w a s also the bir thplace of the fa ir Rosamond Cliffo rd . B a more nea r ann n on wa s on e th e r es en e of l ck , C i gt , c id c i e nown at ar na a religious o rder . It s w ll k th C di l o se n e e a ort me at oth el ne The dis W l y o c liv d sh ti G y . l ed solution of mona steries in the r eign of H enry VIII . to the es a s men of on en s n u n th e o n e a t t bli h t c v t , i cl di g ann n o on Tr n es ab ou a m e rom C i gt n . Chilt i ity li t il f “ B r wa er and in ol d r e or s is a e o n Tr n idg t , c d c ll d Chilt i ” itati n Sir s o a o n of th e e a on o f it s ur . , cc u t d dic ti ch ch John de Chil ton and Sir Thomas de Chilton held it after th r m a w t e P ul tt am a e e Conquest . F o P lett h o e f ily t k e r na In the me am the on ueror th i me . ti of Willi C q it wa s ossesse a ter de B owa r of Br wa er p d by W l i , Lo d idg t and H un s l and er manor s in the ne o ur oo . t pi l, oth ighb h d

i r s ar r o w an art a o er moun enera ( ) B iti h b , ifici l hill ck d , g lly known t he name of a r ns and n e n e as a re o s1t or f or by C i , i t d d p y the e a d d . (i) In confi rmation o f Jo seph of Arimath ea landing at Combwich , we ha ve t h e following curio us o ld l egend o f Poetr y ’ Th e oo Sa n A r a n e or ne t he P arret s e g d i t ima the J os ph , b by tid ’ ’ To Co mb wich o er th e endi s at en h e Ca me t o Gl ast on s e , M p l gth , Hid , ’ ere I l l u a w a e h u r —h e an e a r s an s a H b ild ttl c ch pl t d ch i ti t ff, w as & mas now—at & m a s me t h e s a w ossoms au T ti , t ff ith bl l gh — — A mir a cle a mir a cle a mir acl e it turned t o b e a r s a n u r e s r om a me s o u Co er t h e w o e oun r Th t ch i ti ch ch f th t ti , h ld v h l c t y ’ s s a Was a or n ro u rom t h e o an —t is n o wn Thi t ff th b ght f H ly L d k , — The Chr istia n Churches thr oughou t Engl and fr om its b ran ch es they ro &ha ve g wn .

’ ' Th e Le ge nd sta tes th a t Joseph s St afi h ad been cu t from a thor n ” r ee in the o an and w en s u n o th e r ou n oo r oot a nd t H ly L d , h t ck i t g d t k ou r s e a nd in ro o of its or n o s some m ra u ou s at fl i h d, p f igi , it bl d i c l ly ’ & mas e er a er e n as a e as ames th e e on s me t h e o s -r v ft . Ev l t J S c d ti , bl soms w ere es eeme u ur o s es eo e o f a l l n a ons a t d s ch c i iti by p pl ti . th t » Bristol Mer chants ma de a traffic o f them and exported them to o re n ar s f ig p t . he ncient i r o r it / i ra tcr 30 T A H sto y f B y .

F ro m Wa lter de Do wa i this l a nd descends ’ l a a ncl s Fit z b a rdin es a un s a nd Go urn g , g , G t t he so u h s e o f a w e is a o e o rme t id P l tt W lp l , f \Va l l l l e a o wa i o so a n s o f a er de D . p , l l d W lt R th e a r s o f em o n is r e o rde a V p i h W bd , it c d th t “ D o w ai e t he u r o f Wimedon e an h ld ch ch , n w r T Tha e held it at the time o f King Ed a d . Tl is s a ed wa s e e fo r ree es . it t t , g ld d th hid a n is o ur a r u a e s t wo ser a n s a nd se en l d f c c t , v t v ” w t o n u 4 th e u r of s e o A . 128 i h pl gh . D , Ch ch a t em d on wa s a ro r iat ed o er W b , p p by R b t B s o o f B a and We Is t o t he H o s a of i h p th , pit l t he B a is a t B r wa r n t he b ee pt t idg te . Withi limits o f the par ish chu rch o f Wembdo n the ’ w t o whic er a n e a e St . o n s e c t i ll c ll d J h W ll , mense concou r se of peo pl e r eso rted a nd made t o t he ono u r o f G od t he B esse r n h , l d Vi gi M o man h o h a d for . n the B a s and w St J h pti t, y ou r e un er ar o u s o sea ses a nd b d d v i b dily di , ene f 1o m s o and s an s wer e t b fit phy i phy ici , , by the wa ers s a e a e een r es or e to e t , t t d to h v b t d th i ea The sa s o ssue a man a e h lth . id bi h p i d d t t H ur s anon of e s his omm ssar - Gen t, C W ll , C i y T ma v t a e en u r n o o s O era L L . B . o m h y, , k q i y i t t ic ul ar s of s m ra u o s s r n and t o re thi i c l u p i g , Christian and sur na mes o f th e persons who ‘ ure ese a er s a wa s th e efie c d by th w t . Wh t man a t e oes n t a a r oun a n s were ce d d o ppe . F t i the ea rly ages su per s titiou sly frequ ented a nd into a pecunia ry c u 1r ent A ch antry wa s fc th e ur a t em on a a s son of ch ch W bd , by M tthi , ou r e 19th dwar In the or -fou C c y, E d II . f ty wa r o n H r se w a s or of th e Ed d III . J h o y l d s a nd e s B o r The am of God E a t W t we . f ily l ong l o rd s of Bo w er a nd gave i t the n ame of B i e mour was o wer . It s s aid L ady Jane S y es B w O o H or se ane on th o er . s e W t pp it y l , no w e ere s oo in a e a n el m K l , th t d fi ld t

3 Tim A ncient H istor o B r id wa ter 9 y f g .

’ me o se an ma s were o un at tha t ti th i l f d th ere. Collinso n “ ” T sa y s it wa s wr itten Ga hers . he French t ra nscribers “ e it Gathu r st . H a s el wa s the r es en e of a call d l w l , id c o a name fo r se era en u s an fa mily f th t v l c t r ie . J e the au er o f H u H a swe s o n o f Sir o a s H a swe l d ght gh l ll , Nich l l l T nte of E marr e o n edz o s . ro en o r o f i d J h y , Ch y, q , p g it

Sir eme s T y nte B a r . Th e mans n t H a s e K y , t io a l w ll u Sir H a w B w was re 1689 ls e T nt e ar . o wa s b ilt , by ll y , t h an e to a n in t T s a dv c d th t dig ity 26 h Ch arl e s II . hi sea t h as r eceived r ich gifts fr om N ature a nd A r t the temple dedicated to Robin H o od commands a very extensive nd l a n fi e e w and is n ee u a rea ly m g i c nt vi , it i d d , diffic lt to de sc ribe the varied beauties o f H alswell Park a nd a s the djoining wood .

h e am o f Sta wel h ad een sea e a t Sta wel and T f ily b t d , a t e s o ne in s o n rom th e o rmer o f w Coth l t , thi c u ty , f f hich a es er e e r na me er s n e t on ues pl c they d iv th i ev i c he C q t . O ne the am mar r e La A e a e e es of f ily i d dy lic P wl t , ld t dau ghter o f William the fir st Ma r q u i s o f VVinche s ir o n Sta wel w a s o n f t er . S J h e o the Knights tha t e e r wa r t he m h def nd d B idg te a t ti e of t e siege .

E S N Z & N D e m es s ou - ea s r m Brid W TO O LA . Fiv il th t f o g w a er on th e bor o f s a e is a s o a e t , up M thi vill g , p t c ll d P e z o u w er e enera a r a th e a a f ter th e n y Po nd, h G l F i f x d y a e o f an r ul l oth 1645 rew his w le b ttl L gpo t, J y , , d up ho arm an d in t h e same s o i 685 th u e o f en y, p t n 1 , e D k M mo u o th e a e of e emo r w hi th f ught b ttl S dg o , ith s r r m n n r s er 00 s . 500 o f hi e wer e ake r so ne s di o d ly t p s t p i , n th e e a an d e w r e n ne in th e i fi ld of b ttle, th y e co fi d ar s u r w er e man of em d e o eir p i h ch ch , h y th i d f th ’ woun s . O t e n s ar fi ve s er s a were d f h Ki g p ty, oldi th t s a n wer e ur e in the ur and e e en in th e l i b i d ch ch , l v ar churchy d .

In he me of H enr th e o n erti t ti y VIII , , f llowi g c fi m ca e was a e o f th e s a e .of s ma o Wes on t d t t thi n r of t , the outes ss e Fr eehol ders a u R of a iz of , nd c stomary

34 The A ncient H istory of B r idg wa ter

‘ In readi n g Somersetshire pa st and p res n n uar er e ew met w t he fol Lo do Q t ly R vi , I ith

SOM E RS E T COU RT I N T H E P A RI SH or Sou S ome yea rs a go wh en r epa iring the roof paper s wa s found containing copies Of Bil t o a r amen for re u s ons ma e P li t , q i iti d by ’ ur n th wa T ere were a so so me d i g e Civil r . h l his wife from a man shut up in B ridgw th e o wn was s t be ieged .

’ In th e servants hall of the same hou se t beam on which there ar e these quain t insor

wr on s not th e oor ear not t he r I g p , I f ich , a e no t t ooe i e no r a e not t ooe mu h I h v l ttl , I h v c w a s s et u r and e en I p ight v . a nd o n th e o ther side is th e motto &

Be ou mer r and be ou w se y y, y i ,

A nd d o e you not noe man d es pis e .

From th e facts rel ated in the publication of t H i stor y o f B r idgwater and it s n eighbour hood that th ere ha ve been perio ds in the H isto ry when th e inhabitants o f B ridgwa ter and it s h oo d have been con spicuou s in th e struggle made bo th for religio u s a nd political freedom ; w e not feel pr ou d at th e bold spi rit of our who then h elped to l ay th e fo undation o f u n equall ed in hi story&L et us hope th e you th 0 shire will b e faithful and loyal to the Queen a men of our un r and om ne a a n s t co t y, c bi g i t ome rom w a ua r er e ma t o swee c f h t q t th y y, p an mar s o f our on s u on w a e be l d k c tit ti , hich h v p ride o f Englishmen and the en vy of fo reign

The A ncient H is tor o B r id wa ter y f g .

a e a an s me scree n 0f oak ar v n in ro n ch p l , with h d o _ c i g f t . The a ar - e e is a er al ua e a n n se lt pi c v y v bl p i ti g , cond to n ne no wn a s a w r f a has n o k o k o rt . It bee exa mined by Sir s a e n s H a n a nd o er Jo hu R y old , ydo th emi nent a n ers b ut n ne o f em a e een ena e t o p i t . o th h v b bl d speak W er a n a s the name o f the a r s ith c t i ty to ti t . It wa s taken d uring a wa r with F ra nce o ut o f a French ves sel rou as a r e n o mo t ere r b ght p iz i t Ply uth , h pu chased by Lord Po wl ett (it wa s s a id that Q ueen Ann was hi s mo e r and resen e to the own o f Br god th ) , p t d t idgwater his or s The s e is r s a by l d hip . ubj ct Ch i t t ken fro m the r oss o n ean n m urn o r C ; St . J h l i g o fully ve the body of the dead Saviour ; th e Vir gin Mary fainting ; Mar y the ’ Wife Of Cleophas hol din th e Vir gin s head ; and perhaps the most beautiful y exec uted of al l the figure s is ar a a ene r e s r n e M y M gd l , with g i f t o gly d picted on her o n enan e s an n one arm e ende the c u t c , t di g with xt d, hand e i s e r ra e a nd a ear r n r m h xqu it ly pou t y d, t olli g f o er r ms a e er a re a s a cheek . It fo ltog th pictu work o f ar t a e has een o u e w e er i invalu bl . It b d bt d h th it s a Sp anish or an a an a n n but the re on er an e of It li p i ti g, p p d c Opinion the a r In the an e is a inclines to l tte . ch c l mura l monu men of th e n sm l fam er ar e a nd a nds me t Ki g il ily , v y l g h o . An acco unt of the family is thus given by Edward

B r an E s . er Ans e E s & Sir ran y , q , to Rob t tic , q F ci s Kingsmill is a younger son of Sir Willi am Kingsmill ; is of the knightly family of th e same n ame ; for a ges se e at Sidmanton H an s and near to ewberr in ttl d , t , N y,

B er s re. ran s th e rinci al su e of the m n k hi F ci , p bj ct o u men we find wa s kni ted the or - e t, g by L d d puty of 16 5 r mth e m on the mon Ireland in 0 . F o otto ument ” P er dem san effecti sun al Be —h e , Fi cti t v idi llo ear s to a e een a er re u s ara e app h v b v y ligio ch ct r . It is s a e on th e m n men h e e 25 ' 1620 W a t t d o u t di d July, , h t link of pro perty or otherwise connected the famil y with a er i not n n Br idgw t s k ow .

I remember there once wa s' a stone under the old

o rid wa ter 38 Th e Ancient H istory f B g .

of o se ar es s o w ea ron o s r m th ch to d, ith h vy i ho k , f o the r n a es were un a e en e r e which i o g t h g, th t d f d d fo cibl n entra ce .

ID G W A E R AM S F OR & AL & — o of a B R T F OU LO T . C py e er r en man ears a o r m war B am l tt w itt y y g f o Ed d y , f f e en am to rt An s e E s . o E s . O e q , Ch lt h , Rob tic , q , Bridgwa ter &

O f or e em er 4th x d, S pt b ,

Dear Sir —As a ers on so on onne e w r w a er and , p l g c ct d ith B idg t nt res ed w e er n o nne e w a la e a e t he i e t ith v y thi g c ct d ith th t p c , I t k “ f a i n ou th r n mm n a on t hinkin o n a li berty o m k g y e es e t co u ic ti , th t a oun w be acce t ab e and ou ac or n e u se e er cc t it ill p , y c di gly xc t lib ty I er ein a e t h e n ua on ern n w om was see in to th t k , i divid l c c i g h I k g a n nf orma on On t h e s o an an es or of mine onn e e at one Obt i i ti p t, c t c ct d a e o un ar u a rs time as yo u will see w ith Bridgwater . I h v f d p tic l respecting t h e Civil w ar between th e King a nd his Pa rliament and t he cons equent fat e of t h e ki ngdom wh ether it s sta te he Monar chical or R epublican which thi s stru ggle invo lved .

h h ew a er 4th e r uar T e transcript then is ta ken f rom t e N sp p F b y, 1644 a e M ercurius A ulicus ur or n to on e n e en e o f , c ll d ) p p ti g c v y i t llig c t he our t o the re o f h e n om w w o en r o sses for C t st t Ki gd , hich it h lly g a da and is as o ows th t y, f ll Now a s this groundless r ebell i on usually dri ves them into h orri bl e c ont radictio ns so e the ar amen a r a ns enera ra at us , th y ( P li t i ) g lly il f or do ing any thing w hich they themselves practice ; fo r it is incredi bl e wha t v ain Pa mphlets h a ve been s ent in rail in at such who wou a e h ad rown t o e er Abm don t o his hia est ou ld h v B d liv j y , th gh ° ’ they h ave been since busy to b ribe o ver vers of h is Maj esty s G ar r sons mor e art u ar th e own of r wa er in omerse s re i ; p ic l ly T B idg t , S t hi , was a r f or s as wee fo r o one a e t h e re e o ernor f i ly bid thi l t k , C l l Bl k b l G v of aun on as e o f ere £ 1000 t o a a n am of th e arrison T t C tl , f d C pt i Byh , o f r wa er t o r a w o m h o ura e e a o n t e . T e a ain a B idg t , b t y th t T th C pt g one and ear R o a s mme a e a u a n e o one W n am h ty y li t, i di t ly cq i t d C l l y dh th e o ernor wh n r e G v . o bid him conti ue th e t eaty and get what h ou rom a T he Art re a e o a e nd c ld f Bl ke . icles we gre d up n tha t Bl k a hi s e ow R e e s s ou mar owar r wa er on un a ni f ll b l h ld ch t d B idg t , S d y ght as e ruar 2nd th e a a n n ar l et own l t, F b y , C pt i being the on gu d was to d ’ t he dr awbridge and unlock th e Turnpike t o l et them in at 4 o Cl ock in the morn n f o r w e im 1 er he i g, hich th y were to give h £ 000 wh eo f r eceived £ 50. The R ebels c ame accor dingl y and t he Captain ke t punctual wor d wi th them ; for j ust at tha t hour th e Rebel s 1 orse a nd oo ame near t he o wn a a n am l et own th e H F t c T . C pt i Byh d Br idge and unl o cked t he Turnpike insomu ch (Captain W em s ) a Scot who l ed on t h e R ebel s c a me u pon t h e Bridge and cried Ol l ow Inc (al l our own) b ut at that i nstant Captain Byham ga ve fir e to a

40 Til e A ncient H istor o B r id wat y f g er .

o er do ou or e me and e M th , y f giv giv me yo ur bl essing, and l et the r e e s ans er fo r s n a b l w , pilli g th t bloo d of ur s I wi sa e th s yo , which ll v with e lo s of mine,if I have ’ enou for m mast ers a nd o r sel Th m gh both y y u f. e other re l e Son I or e ee and P r a God t p i d f giv th , y o help thee in ra e reso on . I e I s a o e ee al l thy b v luti If liv , h ll l v th ’ ’ the e f er or s w be one . r en r b tt it, God ill d Lo d W two th , ir S R . Greswel l and Colo nel Webbe rescued the mother re e e th e as e and oo 1000 r s ners and li v d C tl t k p i o , put the enem t y o flight .

In Antiquities of H i stor y is the following l e ’ — char acterestz e boldness of the men of the West The tra de o f the o wns r m e s an e ra ons and we t p o ot d di t t xplo ti , find in 1494 Sebastian Cabot getting t o gether th e re s fo r his s r m Br s o and B r wa er in the c w hip, f o i t l idg t , latter place the sa ilor s wer e r enowned for th eir love o f ” en er r se e n an wa s sco ere . t p i , by which N wfou dl d di v d

I have hear d it said when a b oy that B ridgwa ter men were r ema rkable for their a tta chment to their nat e To n in on rma n of i s e ar in iv w , c fi tio th p culi ity, readin g th e H istor y of Ancient ma tters connected with omer se s re oun th e o w n & B a e wa s rn S t hi , I f d f llo i g l k bo at Br idgwater and had nearly a tta ined the a ge o f fifty before his grea t talents for Military and Naval a T rou u his command wer e first called into ction . h gho t r li an areer a es rom the ear su esses in b il t c , which d t f ly cc s na e un h e n e er o r o hi s o e for hi tiv Co ty, v f g t l v mer se s re and is a ur us r m s an e a he So t hi , it c io ci cu t c th t always kept a B ridgwa ter man nea r his per son that ” e h e might talk of the ol d place and peopl . ” Sou they in his Common Place Book relate s the fol lowing ancedote relative to Bridgwater . At the White

a a s o er an inn e en a M rs . ra n s H rt, E t v , occupi d th by F ci , r m a he h ad een ra ne a s a a Fox was kept . F o cub b t i d ’ th e w r One da turnspit and became clever a t o k . y master Reynard giving way to a touch of natur e

r 42 The A ncient H istory of Br idgwate .

S OL D Dp CUM E N T .

At th e aOl in es and ards a Old g , box cupbo , Old and curious documents ; it requires a man t r a en e M r . e one o ead them. I tt d d Ryl y , expert and learned antiquarians employed by H e di ment for the purpose of examining the m . ’ some Of the oldest chu rchwardens a ccoun ts per be n in n an e a one th fou d E gl d . I giv copy Of Of reads a s follo ws Compotus J Ohannas Pari s Ecc lesia P aroeheates M ariee V irginie An nO H enrici Sexti Post Conquestorium An glia) V Ter u s A 444—5 1 . ti . D .

e De Reeeption . ’ Furs t R esey d Of John Weamps of money he bequ ea thed to the Chu rch It em Thomas Chamberlayne bequests Of one Wm Crew Item r eseyved f or Min dus (mind d ues) f or Commemo ra tion days I em a enan in Fr ern St reet r ente t T t y l Thomas Taylor rente m a e er er W . Mich l M c Item reced of E dward Slape th e yaf to the Holy wa ters tone Received grea t

Costa ge .

Firs t f or & & III li wex f or torch es a nd the l yght befo re t he h e Cr o ss agen & mas Item p aye d f or & V w ex f o r o rches an t he III II 'T ' J sascel l e and th e v ault taper a t E as ter Item f or ma king h oly ba sk ets Item f or sticking candl es o n a Chri sty night Item for a Bo ar ds a t V estry door Item f o r a la undry man & Item f or C or des a nd Gynnes a bo u te th e sepulcre and t o th e Bille a t Chur ch doo r Item La ntern Item 11Boa r d s t o mend Tenements in Fryern Street 43 The A ncient H istory of B r idgwater .

Amongst the Ol d documents were th e follo wing .

n er i 1 A N otice by the Commo Cry n 17 8 . I am ordered and commanded to give not ice to all perso ns tha t br ing Co rn and Gr ain into this town fo r sal e on mar e a s a he r n the same in a s k t d y , th t t y b i g b g on rn nd a no er s on s a en th e the Co hill . A th t p h ll Op a s for sa e n th e r n n the e or e w b g l , u til i gi g Of b ll, th y ill a n be pro secu ted for the same by the M yor Al derme .

— ma oa a e as 18 1719 Wm . r e e h w July , E l k th th th t s tanding near the H igh Cro ss in the Borou gh Of Bridg a er o o n at a erson who wa s ut in the l l r w t , l ki g p p pi o y, for s ea n se ou s wo r s ea r ar a rr a p ki g diti d h d Edw d P y, roo er sa he new him in t h e l or e n one t p y, k pi l y, b i g Of ’ his o n r men and a th e re en er wa s his n c u t y , th t P t d Ki g , “ ’ and the e nen answered n eo r e is m n . d po t , Ki g G g y Ki g

w rn e re me — A A& ON S o b fo , EDW RD R M D , ” a or M y .

Ta or and o n ounsh r s r r s o We os . M e e f , J yl J h , u v yo the H a s the ar s Of B r wa er do ere ighw y Of P i h idg t , h by resent the H ighway leading fr om B ridgwater to North pe er on a so em on a so Baw r a s t o th t , l W bd , l d ip, l o ur e are er bad Of r e a r and an er u s D l igh, v y , out p i d g o to al l Tra e e rs wh o ass ese r a s and is a rea v ll p th o d , it g t e r men to the ar worn e ore me T mas s . d t i t P i h S b f , ho

& ea es a o r . t , M y mu Al erman 27 A r 1737. a e Sm . p il, S l yth, d

Bor u an ar s B —Th e nf rm o gh d P i h Of ridgwater . i o a on Of ara ea Br a er a oresa ti S h L ky, Of idgw t f id, widow, a en e ore Wm . B n r Al erman One Of his t k b f i fo d, d , ’ a es s s es the ea e for the B r u who M j ty Ju tic Of P c o o gh , — sa ith That she now keeps a common Al e H ou se withi n th e B r u . T a es er a a no n Banfi el d o o gh h t y t d y, bout o , ’ M oor e Car ew came t o inf orman t s H o use and desired to lodge ; there was a woman with hi m he called his 44 The A ncient H is tor o B r id wa er y f g t .

w e and a r his au er and the n rman if , gi l d ght , i fo t believes the said Banfi eld M oor e Car ew hath no thing to su s s on bu t w a en m n i b i t h t g tle e give h m .

Ta en on oa s 22 da A u s 1744 k th thi y Of ug t,

Be ore me — Wm. B f rd n o . a ra ea . f , y S h L ky

One Of the Oldest proper ties in the borough is the wn l l s To Mi .

The owner holds amongst the paper s a curious deed Of a s s nmen a e 1709 e ween a r L owbrid e ig t , d t d , b t Rich d g d a n eor e Ba E s . w ere n is re e a in G g lch , q , h i it cord d th t 1694 th e a or m ss n A ermen & c . a e er to M y , ld , , g v p i io ar Lowbrid e to remo e a emen s rea u the Rich d g v p v t , b k p s the s ree s an & r m es c . in r e a h e a oil Of t t , l , , o d th t y n e th e a er rom th e m s ream omm n al e co v y w t f ill t , c o ly c l d ur e B r o fo r the u se th e n a an s to a D l igh o k , Of i h bit t , ro ss on the o rn nown the name the H c C hill . k by Of igh ro ss and a th e es m be on e e to an o er C , th t pip ight c v y d y th ar t H is r a s o su wa er p ts Of he to wn . ight w t pply th e t fo r ears a t the annua a m en one s n a y , l p y t Of hilli g ea r and to en o ura e him in the un er a k n th e y , c g d t i g a & wer e a him h um or A ermen c . to t e s M y , ld , , p y Of one n re oun s ar L owb rid e e n th e hu d d p d , Rich d g , b i g o wner Of th e mil l and water connected with it ; but when h t e or ora e sea wa s be af e the a or & c . C p t l to fix d M y , , r efused to ratify what they had promised unless Richar d L o wbrid e rem e the sa sum Of one n re n s g itt d id hu d d pou d , a or n which he did cc di gly .

l s ire is as n out The O d Zummer set h dialect f t dyi g .

“ ’ It may a mu se the r eader if I give a labourer s acco un t — Of the siege Of Bri dgwate r a countryman living at

46 The A ncient H istory of Br idywa

’ At l as t t he Ro yalists gi d in ’ r soners v a l l d own The p i d , The res t retreated in a din a er wn To war ds Bridgw t to .

I cl immered down from Off t he tree ’ A vo ice s aid there s a ch ap ’ romwe h e a e a s 0 me C ll c tch d ight , re me s a And orde d to t p .

’ Then down upon my knees I v al l d H e s a man s an o id , My , t d p T ward en t o kill thee th a t I calle d ’ o My hea d spin d like a t p .

W t s h e sa u a . w li t z id I ill, id I And s ere r li t I did th ight , And made a v ow till I did die V or Cr omwell I w ud fight

I h oe m e wa r at a s a e d y lif t k , l My very br ains did r ing ; ’ At that time v or my ow n self s sake ’ I d a promised a nything .

’ Vr om there we march d to W eston Mo or ~ And then th e trump et z ou nd ; ’ a n wi l d u on a o or Th t ight y p fl , a w a t he ar r n And th t r b e g ou d .

en ome t o m am I z d h y f ily, And told em t w ar my d o om ’ A enera s ser an s u be g l v t I h d , ’ V r war rom e o om o I C w ll s gr .

’ ’ H e a h e d ma e a man 0 me z id k , V or that he w ud be bo wn War ease h e s a to see the w a pl d, id, y ’ I rub d the b osses down .

H e war a uss—r a e man I know f t , , Wu d d o what h e did da re ’ But as f or th e a ou em th o b t , , e r a nd n ar e Th i w ys e ot b . ’ e l on d e s a t o the K n Th y g , th y id, kill i g T w ar a v or e w ar en th t th y b t, An d th an zome ar gum ents wo uld bring A ou ome ar l amen b t z P i t . N ow in my hear t I loved the K ing ; H is a ws wu d e l I Ob y, An d h ated beyo nd anythi ng S u e ch wicked men a s th y. t H istor B r i 47 The Ancien y of dgwa ter .

But war in e r u es no w I th i cl tch , ow n t o ac t m ar And b y p t, ’ And t ho my mouth w a r for ced to bow

It warden from my heart .

ome o n in o ru s e cr C , j i ch , th y did y When mo rnings they did emg Inwa rd I vowed when I did die v K n Shud be t o s a r e my i g .

’ o e o ere w l W e mar ched t Ch dz y th e y d, And nee d not wha t t o d o d we t er e had r e T o t eake Bri g th y t i d, a er men war r ue But B ridgw t t .

e war no ra o rs no not e Th y t it , , th y, And wu d s an fi rm e a t , th y z id We ea r ou em da d a h d b t y by y, n dh am w as e r ea Br ave y th i h d .

a wi e o nd ra H e h d a f war go d a b ve, One day sh e fi red a shot V or C r omw ell twat t h e clos est s have ’ a e er h e d a et Th t v g .

Wh en Okey cum o ur for ce war str ong T w a r whispered then ab ou t ’ T e se e Br wa e r a ore on h y d iz idg t f l g, e m t o t h u A nd s t e e ro t .

’ Fairfa x and Cromwell talk d one night Whils t I th e b o ss ru bbed down ’ They za id th e next d a y they d go right n o r a er own I t B idgw t t .

T a n no s ee ne er oun h t ight l p I v f d, ’ Al o t he mo on di d s ne th hi , V or living in Bridgwater town ’ r Wa r some Old f i ends 0 mine .

es a ore d a awa set J t v y y I , Be fo re th e co ck did crow ’ I ou n s ow e r lo th ght thi k I , I ll bl th i p t , And l et th e ownsmen n ow t k . When at th e ga te they cri ed out sto p & ’ Or els e I ll make thee spin I ou the z o ers w a war t ld g h t Op, And oon e l et me in z th y .

Right gla d wa r they t o t o hear my tale; Wi war m m b and s s th y they hoo k, And when they found t he facts war real ' T o the Ca s e war oo tl I t k . 48 The A ncient H is tor o B r id wa ter y f g .

o em al l th e ru ms ea I t ld , d did b t, An d they be g un t o a rm T he news s re a d ro o e er ree it p d v y st t, w n a i a rm T h e to w s n al .

’ Bra ve Wyndham talk d em into tears T O do a s e w er e th y bid , And now sa he r ee ear eers , id , d h ty ch D r e ear r c h ty chee s they gid . And s oon t he r oaring guns w e hear d Towards t h e eas tern side T he more e r o a re t h e mo re we eered th y d ch , ’

O ur uns tO O e re l d . g , , th y p y Th e t ug Of w ar it canno t las t It c um wi awf ul mi ht ’ ' We know d o ur a e e w as as f t d c t, ke ra ons we Li d g did fight .

’ ’ e rin d t he e s burn d ous es own Th y g b ll , h d , Like ph renz y v olks they w ere File a tter tile ma rch ed d ro o t h e t o wn The an er vo r t o are d g s sh . But w hen th e wi ld dragoons c um Op Droo Eas to v er a t l a st I h oe a a e h a d e t h e cu d th t F t fill d p, Al l o w as as h pes o r chan ce p t .

At as ee ho w w ud b e l t I z d it , Th a t they w u d gain t he d a y ’ t OO k t a an e w ar er e me I ch c Off d ,

An d s campere d f a r a w ay .

’ I nev er ic ar d their h ue and cry r a n They s oug ht f o me in v i . I e t o see r omw e die liv d Old C ll ,

A nd goo d King Charl i e reign. With al l their error s o r mis haps It a lw ays seemed t o me Br idgwa ter men w ere plucky chaps e er di d z ee As v I .

w a Th e rel o s H os al . hn e e igi u pit Of St Jo , which h v m ea r s d es r e s o o at the end Of as o er . e c ib d , t d E t v So y sin e in n for the nd a on Of a se a s o ne c , diggi g fou ti hou , t c o n wa s s o er e near i ma be su se ffi di c v d, wh ch , it y ppo d , a n u rn was o n on a ni n a we - reser e men f u d c t i g ll p v d docu t, t rans r e ro es a s o l s & which, c ib d, p v f l ow

50 The A ncient H is tory of Br idgt

T he o o r o u as s a ome w fin d p tc t h ill , l f er e e r w a e wen h th i y th y d , en t he w or o ro e un in Wh ld d th p v k d , O s m a e r en N y p th tic f i d .

T O Weary -Al l Hill I humbly go ; ’ ’ rom t h e ur s an ra e F Ch ch h d I ll c v , Th at ho ly mere tha t will flow T all s si e the ra e O thi g v .

’ Those the Ch urch s mercy seek In humble mood should s ta nd e Po ver ty becomes t he me k . ’ Th o I h ave in this land

os sess o ns man no one nows P i y , k My name or pedigree N o ne can e the se re woes t ll c t , N r h e a an s o n me o t gu ilt th t h g . Th ey must b e ro oted o u t in pa in; Tri a ls must I endure er r a s or in a n Fi y t i l , v i For o e fo r me t o h p cure .

I a e owe are o o t o w a h v v d b f t ‘ lk And see th e o orn H ly Th , T O no one on t h e ro a t o a d t lk, T o ee o n u n r oun orn f d g d c ,

U n t o ornwa r e ur n til C ll I t , ’ Tha t sa cred v ow I ll keep ’ I ut s s or in an u r n ll p thi hi t y , B efore I g o t o sleep And bury it far u nde rground In ages t o come y et I ma be a en a oun t y ccid t l f d, And a a u e on s et v l it .

r ma e is h ar t o ear Pilg i g d b , But et r n s it s ru y it b i g f it, Re e es t he s ou r om ma n a a r li v l f y c e,

Dr ags sin o ut by t he r o o t .

I eel t o -ni fas n feel f ght, ti g I , A noble spirit r ise ne e t o -n as n ne e I k l ight, f ti g I k l, r With eyes tu ned t o th e s kies .

s ee t o n as n see I ight, f ti g I , A n angel high a bove see t o -n a s n 1see I ight, l ti g

Will be His ra ptu rou s lo ve .

‘ N ear Gl astonb ury . he A ncient H istor o Brid wat T y f g er . 51

’ I l l c as m a ef u l sin a wa t y h t y, As snakes th e ir s kins will cas t N O ece er s all e r a d iv h b t y , as It shall for ever l t .

r e t he o und a on is sin P id , f ti Of , ” ’ Twas pride was Adam s fal l ; ’ Tw as th e fi rs t sin that did begin ’ Twill be the las t of all . au man mus learn t o ben H hty t d, g ’ It i s God s decree ’ Tis h e e nnin to an en t b gi g d, o T all eternity .

e arn a ess on man rom me L l , , f , T ry t o seek th e Lo rd ; N O a w ou um l f ith ith t h i ity, o Without faith n reward .

an lo es the au man Sa t v h ghty , e omen s r e wi in H f t p id th , Binds him safel y as h e can the o r s sin By c d Of . ’ ve sun n e for ma n ear I k i vic y a y , It made my cons cienc e burn n omes t h re e At le gth c e p ntant tear, ’ I r rn T o virtue ll etu . Th e wicked s tand long have I eld and w s ernnes s s oo H , ith t t d No w w ill I nobly lift on hi h The s tandard of the goof

’ ° I ve m lan t he oo r to ee y d p f d , T e w a nderer back will ca ll ’ I s e out s kness and s ress l l e k ic di t , ’ And sto p the s inner s fal l . Oh co uld I fellow pilgrims greet In a e es a li th t c l ti l ght, W ere ea r h ea enl P il h t ly, h v y

In mansions pure and brig t .

’ T o h s ou se muc an I ve en t i h h l d giv , ’ ’ T ho in s u se I m e re di g i h , ’ D a a er da in ra er I ve s r en y ft y p y , t iv , And a e s e man a ear h v h d y t , Over th e fol li es ( i my youth My heart seems melted now I rus in o e in s a r d t t h p , c e fea r, ma ee m vo I y k p y w .

Barefoo to Cornwall en m t b d y way, ’ r om Gl aston s l e F ho y pl ac , he Ancient H ist wat 5 2 T ory of Bridg er .

en for a or ous O n n da Th gl i i g y , T he en n d a ra e Op i g y g c .

en o o w l fil l m reas Th h ly j y il y b t, Then ho ly ho pe s will cheer ’ I l l u a a e for sa nt s o b ild pl c i t res t, B a on As riwere h th d e here .

s W en lan e firs I T he t h d d t trod, ’ n n l and s ro c oas O g cky t, Shall b e ma de sac red t o my God T o H im I lo ve the mos t. N ow comes th e legend It is said This stra nge r Pilgrimwent A t ear mo rn rom his lone bed ly f ,

T O Glas ton was he bent .

T o ar r out hi s ol v ow c y h y , ’

s . Dunst an s s r ne Vi it St h i , ore a and reta e his row M pl cid x d b , r more i His s pi it d vine. ’ S ea in a h e t ravel l d o t dy f ith n, H is blis tered feet were sore S till a s t he sting within was gone are for o H e c d noth ing m re . As the sun reached to midday hour T O Lo cksley Wood came he ’ T here in the s hade of N a t ure s bower reste me l H e d rri y .

Wear h e e a ure a e wa y f lt, N t g v y , Th e bi ll s were long and s teep ’ S creened fro m t he Sun s be se tting ’ e dro d in u e slee H pp q i t p . Long he enj oyed a ca lm repo se Beneath a s heltering yew At en a a n refres ed h e rose l gth g i , h , i H s Journey to pursue . — H e felt amazed h e ne ver fea red ’ Fear s powers he defied ; A man in an en a r ci t g b 8 ed, Close s tanding at his m

U on an oaken s aff he lea n p t t, H is heard was l on and grey &

H is manly. frame wit age was bent ” l rim he sa oo d a Pi g , id, g d y . ’ ’ I m sen t o ee I m o ere ere t th , rd d h By power s thou knowest not now C ome and part ake my humble cheer ” know th ol vo w I y h y . e n ie is tor o B water 53 T/z A c nt H y f ridg .

As o n his feet the Pilgrim stood H e s a Ah can b e & id , , it ’ ’ Tis so t he r eam I ve had is ood , d g ; ’ ”

ea and I ol ow ee . L d , ll f l th

sed alon a woo e el The y g d d d l , Bo t seemed in s eri ous thought ’ e rea e a t en th e H ermi s ell Th y ch d l gth t c , s T he s helter which th ey ought .

um e n ee th e e l a eare H bl , i d d , c l pp d , And frugal was t he fare Stil l as th e Pilgrim ate h e iear ed There was so mething in th e a ir ’ A s om n in the H erm s o o ethi g it l k, H is eyes a brightnes s w o re ’ Th e Pil gr im s inw ard spirit s hoo k e H e ne ver shoo k b fore .

I know ee l r m w om ou art th , Pi g i , h th , Th e erm earnes s a H it t id, orman ohun and th e ar N M , p t ’ ’ ’ es t h on st l a d In w ar s sad wo p y .

H ow o u w as s a a e and was o th t v g t b ld, An d cruel in th e fight On pr isoners in thy fa st hold m D i d exercise thy ight .

H ow a t th e H ospital o f St . Jo hn ’ ou i s r e en and e Th d d t p t liv , ’ And l oo k st t o t he Church to lean u po n

Fo r t he aid tha t it c an give .

no w s oo r r m r s the or K thi , p Pilg i ,Ch i t L d Is th e L or d Chris t indee d ee b ut in a H is o Wor K p f ith H ly d, ’ And thou lt hav e little need

rne o The Glast on j ou y t pursue . I order that yo u s h all an d o e r ar on sue Re turn, th p d ’ At o n s os al St . J h H pit , ’ I l r es t o mee ee ere l send a p i t t th th , ’ He ll lead thy tho ughts o n high o n w oo man in ra er J i ith him, d , p y d i Prepare ere tgo n s halt e . ’ He ll teac h thee to s lak e thy thirs t Where thou Wilt thirs t no more ’ R ea d Da vid s Psalm t he thir ty-firs t » m ’ Go and sin no ore .

Su rs titions w a s orsake pe y f , N ow s er our thi v y h , 54 The A ncient H istory of B rid

’ Tis a co rd of h uman make W n s ee i ts ower hich bi d th by p .

' Th e r m dro d and no n kne Pilg i pp , thi g B ut when h e roused he sa id H e found h imself benea th t h e y ew

Where h e fi rs t h ad laid .

o e es a al l a eare S c l ti l pp d, H e wo n ere to th e las d d t , ut re urne e nwar ere B t d, f lt i d che d n At t he visio pas t .

’ At e veni n s ves p ers he on ce more A he os a arr ve t t pit l i d , E n e r e s ea at the o or t d t lthily d , A d u n ser on r n ob ved c t ived .

H is al a e a r es er e p lid f c p i t p c ived, ’ H e pray d with him al l night ’ un th e o rman tis e i e e Moh N , b l v d, ’ D e o mo rni s i d be f re ng light .

’ Beneath his Pilgr im s dres s h e wo re ’ Arm ou r and el a s d e n , p b hi d H is w e oun w i the ni l ill th y f d , h ch ght H e h u s ne ad d ly ig d . William Briwere tr us t he made

Over his onl y son . Duns er was his o a At t b dy l id, Thu s his ra ce was run.

H is son a ou of i oro us m n , y th v g i d, T o r w a er a me B idg t c , as r uous and k n H e w vi t i d, ’ n here his a er s name A d f th .

’ Briwer e s daughter Al ice Was beau teous as t h e morn ; Never for vice o r malibe Was a au er o rn th t d ght b .

h e the n r s S e help d eedy in di s t es , he is e th e oor S v it d p , She sought religi ous h a pinces r Tha t ever w ould en u e . oun o un el h er arms n ee Y M h f t ch , i d d, Sini deeply o n his heart H er father h e too k little h eed ’ T o lu oun u s ar p ck y g C pid d t .

’ Wl i en tim e in H epe s bright measure H ad orne a on it s e b l g tid , H e gai ne d t be au teo u s treasure ’ Alice was c hun s bride . The Ancient H istory of B r idgwater .

ATH ELNE& .

Al red the son of E thel wolf K in o f th e es f , , W t a ons was rn at anta e in Beri shire in 849; S x , bo W g , , H e distinguished himself durin g the r eign of his brother E thel dred in se era en a em n s w the anes and v l g g e t ith D , u o n his ea su ee e to the r wn in th e ea r 871 p d th cc d d c o , y , and in th e 22nd ea r f hi a T s r n e was e e y o s ge. hi p i c tw lv im s o f ag e befo re a ma ster could be pr ocured in th e ae s ern n om t o him his a a e N otwith t Ki gd teach lph b t . stand ing th e lateness of his initiation h e u ltimately a re e ra r nar n On as end n the cqui d xt o di y eruditio . c i g th rone h e fo und himself involved in a dan gerou s war the anes and a e un er su r ums an es of with D , pl c d d ch ci c t c s ress as a e for the rea es a our and reso on di t c ll d g t t v l luti , a nd all th e a rne o ther virtues with which h e was do d . The anes h ad en e ra e n th e ear of hi s n m D p t t d i to h t ki gdo , and befo re h e ha d been a month upon the throne he wa s obliged t o take the field a gainst those formidable enem es A man a n s es he . er es a e on i ft y b ttl g i d both id ,

was r e u e to r ea s ress and wa s a an ne . d c d g t di t , b do d by mos his u I s ua h a a s e th e t of s bj ects. n this it tion e l id id ma rks of r oyalty and took shelter in th e h—ouse of one wh o e a e in th e s e of f E thel hin e now a e k pt c ttl , I l g y c ll d A el ne — in omerse s re w ere h e u a f r for th y S t hi , h b ilt o t mse his am a d the few a ser an s wh o hi lf, f ily , n f ithful v t r e a re er to hi en n rme a s me of p i d thith m . Wh i fo d th t o his su e s had r u e a ar e arm of th e anes e bj ct o t d l g y D , h on r e to e n e er e he wa s and n e his c t iv d giv otic wh , i vit d no to me n m B e re e bility co a d con sult with hi . fo th y ame to a na e er mi na n Al r e t n on the c fi l d t tio , f d, put i g ’ a o f a ar er wen n o the enem s am er e h bit h p , t i t y c p, wh , s s on he was e er ere a m e and had without u pici , v ywh d itt d, th e on r of a B a n e ore e r r n es . n h ou pl yi g b f th i p i c vi g. ere a re an e a no e e e r s uation th by cqui d x ct k wl dg of th i i , h e r e rne in rea se e to his n m h e tu d g t cr cy obility, who r ere e r res e e mes ere ra e er o d d to th i p ctiv ho , th to d w tog th , ea man as rea a o r e as he d and a n e a ch , g t f c coul , ppoi t d me for a eneral n us ti g re dezvo . he ncient H istor o B r id wa t 56 T A y f g er .

This was transacted so secretly and expeditiously a in a e me the K n at h e ea of a th t littl ti i g, t h d bl e arm a r a e the anes e ore e ha d th e y , pp o ch d D b f th y ea s n e en e o f his es n H e a e ea e l t i t llig c d ig . tot lly d f t d ZE then une— H e a ree to them at d now Edington . g d give up the E as t Angles to such a s would embrace th e r s an re on on on on a e o l l e Ch i ti ligi , c diti th t th y w u d ob ig r th e rest of their coun trymen t o quit th e coun t y . G r m the e a a n ame i t r o f his uth u , chi f c pt i , c w th hi ty f er w e f r him e s to be a e . A re ans er o chi f o fic , b ptiz d lf d d a t he n m ne r s t . At the as a e he b a e e r fo t l t b ttl , y d t i d u h , se e the an s anner th e ma e o f a ra en w iz d D i h b , i g v , hich , t e sa was ma al wr u and e e e in the h y y, gic ly o ght, b li v d by anes as arr w T war s D c ying grea t fatality ith it . o d good s ess was sa the ra en ul a its n s but ucc it id v wo d cl p wi g , towards mishap would hang them down and not move .

an u r u s re s a e een n at A e n e M y c io lic h v b fou d th l y , the m s m or an of ese the ea o f a en s ear o t i p t t th h d gold p , s ose to a e een resen e A re to the A e upp d h v b p t d by lf d bb y, and an am e of ename and o now in th e As m ean ul t l g ld, h ol se m A n th sse a as Mu u . lege d on e la tter expre s th t it w ’ ma e th e om an o n See a ra e s d by c m d f the Ki g. ( P lg v a n H s r S xo i to y) .

d ern r ers a e am o ca st a ou on Mo w it h v , I t ld, d bt the e en of th e urn n th e a es s h as een l g d b i g of c k , till , it b introduced into this poem a s beli eved most implicitly in the ne o r a n s at the n n ighb u hood . Athelney st d ju ctio of the r er s Ton e and a rre in th e ar s of n iv P t, p i h Ly g, a u t se en m r The name of bo v iles fr om B ridgwate . A e ne f s n es in a on an a e the s e o les . th l y ig ifi S x l gu g , I l Nob Abou t 888 Al fred founded here an monks of the Benedi n e Or er ed a e to cti d , d ic t d The A not sit in ar amen was re ar ed bbot did P li t, but g d a s a s r a r pi itu l lo d .

’ was at t he awn o f earl da T d y y, ’ Th e sun h ad cleared night s gloom away

Over the Plains of Athel ney .

' 58 The Ancient H istory of B rz dgwatr

Ri se o a ers . kin Al s C tt g d fred aid , For here b enea th yo u r humble s hed ’ I come to see k a so ldier s bed

’ ’ T o -me r row s a wn at bu l e s soun d , d, ome ru s r e n s wi at er ro un S t ty f i d ll g d , f o n Pro tecto rs al l o British gr u d . The time may come wil l wipe th e s ta i n O a e e ea and rea t h e a n f l t d f t, b k ch i ,

C as t off the fetters of th e Dane . H ere must our Court be h eld thi s cot M a y prove by ch anc e a happy spo t ’

Fear not w never he or o . , t ill f g t

’ Wh en brighter d ays a rrive you l l find ’ In Al fred s bre as t a gra teful min d r u bin But s ec r ecy o u ac ts m st d .

w ar o o S e al l u p n this sacred bo k . A so emn oa a t on e e oo l th c th y t k , ' And ne r h r e o rsoo k e t e p omise th y f , Tha t no ne to frien ds or foes would s ay W a h ad een ear or s een a da h t b h d th t y , ’ And wou th e o na r s wor o e ld M ch d b y .

’ A thelne y was the Monar ch s s eat A twelvemont h passed in th a t r et rea t,

Until arrangements were co mple te .

re ou a t h e ar u we Alf d c ld pl y h p f ll ll, And o ft w a s a bsent none could tell f l For ma ny wee ks what him be e . S ecure within this s ecre t nest Abel and Grascia lodge d their guest im es H e came or w ent as pleas ed h b t . With t he fierce Danes there seemed to be A triumph of se curity; In al l their tents was r evelry T he warr iors h a d lai n do wn their ar ms ’ T o hear t h e s ound of mu s ic s ch ar ms ’ T r e a h e ha p r s tones b ani shed al rms .

H e a e w s su s k l h ad h e pl y d ith kill, ch i l , H e seeme a er ro d v y p digy, n e er a o f mins re s I v y rt t l y .

T he no es ef s of Dan s s wa bl t chi i h y, arme his ar wou as s t he da Ch d by h p , ld p y, And n i ba i sh night to hear h m pla y .

Wine o o we mus a nd its o wer f ll d ic, p , In cre ased their pleas ure hour by hour ’ T was i e a wrea l o er l k th to p eas ure s b w . o id ater 59 The A ncient H istory f Br gw .

H e boldly layed befo r e al l eyes h a r er in s u se Alfre d t e p di g i , nd w s Ma nage d his p a r t discreet a i e .

’ ne s ro e e a n On At h el y p t ct d l d , Th e r s no es o o e r s an B iti h bl t k th i t d , an A nd b ut awa ited his comm d .

e ar th e al Gl a dly at l ength th ey h d c l, In Selwo od Fo re st o ne a nd al l n They marsha ll ed a s a gatheri g ball . ” N ow o ow me rea A re r e f ll , G t lf d c i d , For wha t end this d ay wil l decide ” Be a o u r u e firm and f ithful t yo g id . ’ H e knew t h e pa th like lightning s flas h Swiftly they w ent with sudden das h — They met t he Dane s a nd w ha t a cr as h ’ Th e a arm w a s s rea t h e rs s o o er l p d, fi t h ck , an s of er e Danes ame mor e and mo re B d fi c c , , U n h s n o mindful of t e trea mi g g re .

In s ea a an now e orme t dy ph l x th y f d, Th eir s pir i t rising as they w a rme d In e ro er orme fight th y p digies p f d . The Brito ns felt their fo rce re bo u nd F rom t h e fir s t rus h they los t s ome gr ou nd Th e Danes e a n a er e ro u d fi t g th d nd .

e r ma s an ar e h a d r eare Th i gic t d d th y d, o se as a a an e a eared P i d b l c it pp , T he r s Ch e a ns o e b t are B iti h i ft i h p d u fe d . Al fred their superstition knew H e a ere r oun a osen few g th d d ch , And near the Dan s s an a r rew i h t d d d . — H e nobly l ed impetuous l ed Over the dying and th e dea d ’ H e rus of a sma an t h e h d th t ll b d head .

’ Onward th e mighty wa ve they pour d T he flas he s br ight as swor d met s wo r d ’ T h e ma r a en s w n s w er r gic v i g e lowe ed . It w as a n omen th at we find Spo k e ter r ors t o th e Dani s h mind ’ s or u ne s eeme w en win d Mi f t d ith it t .

S a an h e s oo e r r o un till, v li tly t y t d th i g d, ’ And many a Br iton s cor pse aro und Wou ea r no more a l n soun ld h ivi g d . “ or war r e A re on w ar o n F d c i d lf d d, H e seized th e sta nd ar d Fortune s hone U on th e r u s — h e d a p h t y was w o n . ’ 60 The A ncient H is tory (1 E mdywa t

The Da nes perceived thei r s tand a r d lo w e rs ’ In qu iv ering tremo nt d ro pp d th e swo rd Re rea re rea e ame t e wor t t , t t b c h d .

T he Br o n ei r s r s l o w it s f t thei pi it . \ ar dour ol lo we u th e l o w Vith f d p , A nd t he e e n ase the foe till v ni g ch d . ’ ’ T he da was e rs was o s e ree th i , t G d d c ro m yat me or u n e fre F t ti f th it d , e, M ay E ngland dat e h er libe rty

_ 0

TH E QUANTOCK S . — Net a Th e highest po int of the Quanto cks is f w r ate mark .

lose in o ur ne o ur oo a s ene ere l es C ighb h d c th i , ’ Which ma y be termed as N a ture s grandes t ri Where summer tra vellers Wander with delight ’ e VVo udrous the U n its bo som s sid . ht ’ Aiiihg the hea thy Quanto cks lengthened l s Dee in its om es it s e s its murmurin rill p c b , d ll , g E s a easure n s a a r s ene c t tic pl fi d f i y c , — Beyond descriptive wo rds it mu s t be seen ’ T o e in memor —th e et s swee r e rea liv y t t t, ’ Wh ere silent noo ks and anc y s gr an deur mee t H igh on its t op the eyes such pros pects get ’ n n o f omer e Une ual l d i t he ra ge S s t. q — United sea and lan d views no bly r ise S r u k w t he s on the re u an e es t c ith vi i , —l ct t y Re fus e t o leave its char ms so b r ight and fa ir ' Th r a s and co ul d n er e travelle p u es , li ger th e W arad m e e s ou as . A se s ee s hil lif h ld l t P i it , W er er re-a ear in r m hich will h ea ft pp d ea s . But more a uremen s em him s l t o r o e ll t t pt til v , ’ Where murmuri ng w a ter thro t he ver dant grov

Runs ure and ri . S en and so oes p b ght il t ft it g , A s rom its us n s rin un e e o ws f g hi p g ch ck d it fl , ’ Un a r e til some ch sm ock div rt s it s cours e. Do wn it s ru e s e s runs in ea lon or e d t p it h d f c , n n am some us len w ere Si ki g id b hy g , h rus es onwar an n merr It h d, d ci g ily . ere oft t he an ere s a nds his re rea H tl d t g fi t t , And s o e wi p tte d deer gambl th nimble feet . H ere oft th e pensive nighiingal e is heard ’ Wa r i n bl g at noo n and many a fea th er d bir d, ’ A s ro t h e u e ro e o nw ar es th q i t g v it d fli , W N a ure 8 au l rs arms h e es ith t g dy co ou ch t e y . a T128 A ncient H istory of B r idgw ter .

Aw a r us n es no s soun s y f om b tli g citi , i y d , Here t he mind re sts on fancied fa iry ground s o o u s t o H im a ove Ra is ing th e ha ll wed th ght b , W o m who a s one s re re a o f o e ho f r ed, f hi d , thi t t l v , a th e l ad s r ma ere is es Th t pi it y , it bl t ,

n on is ea a momen a r re s . Fi d, t rth , t y t

BRIDGWATER CASTLE AND NORTH THE TO A PE R N P RK .

Bridg water Ca stle wa s much in keeping and structure with other castles of the early period when it was ere ed and had the a an a es a en n its n ct , dv t g tt di g co tiguity r he e s w rr n e to the rive . T whol ite as su ou d d by a deep a a osse B the rea ro a d e . e re a e wa b ditch , c ll d f fo g t g t s a n o u or a e a ar an w was a s r n tw k c ll d b bic , hich t o gly ui a rre s u n es ne for the b lt, high w ll , with tu t po it d ig d e en e o the a e and ra r On th e ns e of d f c f g t d wb idge . i id the d s o the wa of the as e a o e or ten itch t od ll c tl , b ut ight ee and e ween en and thir t feet f t thick, b t tw ty y high, w a ara e and a in of em ras e al e crennel s ith p p t k d b ur , c l d , on the W l at r er di s an es s are to . On s a p thi l , p op t c , qu o er s two or ree s r es w ere t w , th to i high , built, which ser e for n for th e mmon ser an s or re a ner s v d lodgi g co v t t i ,

r anar es s re ou ses and er ne essar offi es . On g i , to h oth c y c the top of this wall and on th e flat roo fs of these bu ild ings stood the defenders o f the castle wh en it wa s es e e and r m en e arro s ar s and s nes ere b i g d, f o th c w , d t to w s ar r T r a a e th di ch ged on the b esiege s . he g e t g t of e as e st in th e en re s a and was s r n c tl ood c t of thi w ll , t o gly r e a o er on ea s e and r oms er the fo tifi d with t w ch id , o ov a ssa e ere se n - o rs of p g , which w clo d with thick foldi g d o oak a e r n and an r on r s o r , pl t d with i o with i po tculli a e l et o n r m a e n the en se wal g t , d w f o bov . Withi clo d l wa s a s a e or e n er p c cour t call d a bayle or ballium. U d ground were dismal dark cel l s or vaults for the confine 62 The A ncient H istor y of Br idgwater .

ner In th ment of pri so s . e centre o f the ca st rea t a in th e ner at mes dis l a g h ll, which ow ti p h o spital ity by entertainin g his n umerous fri s At one end o f s rea a the follower . thi g t h ll r a se a e a ed the a s o r e s w er e th e i d pl c c ll d i d i , h c s o and at w ers n s o f the es ra t od , hich p o high t ' One of the vaul ts tha t formerly belonged to B as e is n ow se a s a ne a l near th C tl u d wi v u t, s The a s e of B Custom H ou e. C tl r idgwa te r wa some o f the es n who ere . high t obility, w f Amon s the e f ho spitality . g t chi f o it s noble 0 ' or Da ubenn to w om n H enr ran L d y, h Ki g y g t fa rm r ent out of th e town of Bridgwater in con s o f his man ser es and a s the e ens e y vic , l o xt iv rt e er n w a t a me wa s 0 N o h P th to , hich th t ti mos no e ar s in the n om w t t d p k ki gd . It and e s e w al l n s of ame es ei w ll tock d ith ki d g , p ee T e a wa s e in fo r . h se e and wild d ch d light d , a e a s e a s r At a r u ar mes l di s w ll lo ds . p tic l ti n a n s er e ss e r m th e a s e and i vit tio w i u d f o c tl , was hono ur ed by per so ns of the highest distin quaintly-w ritten poem gives u s an inter estin of one of these splendid huntin g days &

ere w a s a ar at e er on Th p k P th t , W re s a e r ees ro w he t t ly t did g , ’ & ou ne er h e e o u oo u on t lik c ld l k p , or n o d F oble buck r oe .

In our een un re e -six f t h d d ighty , T h e young Lor d D au b enny A w on r o u un n ma d s h ti g tch did fix, F o r o rnor w as h e g v e .

’ enr now w o re n R ar s rown H y Ki g ich d c , H e nobly di d a ttai n ; One b attle bro u ght th e tyr ant do W D a n hich ub en y helped to gain .

H e w as en a e a nd w as o th ctiv b ld, And fear h e never knew H is a r man re o o di y y c r ds t ld , e r is e H p ized h bo w of y w . Tbe Ancient H istor o B r id 6 y f gwa ter . 3

W h e h ad w on w en er oun hich h v y y g, When knights h a d met to s ee A match w h i ch bar d s h ad a bly sung O u ar er f s kilf l ch y .

o be th e oremos was his r e T f t p id , In da ring deeds l ed h e H is a me was e o e f a r and w e f ch d id , For acts o f chivalry &

T o o n th e un t o ew the s j i h t, vi ights Which he wo uld th en displ a Bo th lor ds and la dies with thei r knights As s m e o n s da e bl d thi y . Bridgw ater C as tle opened wide It s s tur dy ga tes t o al l ’ It w a s t h e young Lor d D a ubenny s pride T o fil l t he s a ou a p ci s h ll . Sir Wil lia m Stanley pro udly c ame W a knl ht and s e ith l dy, g hi ld ame a e it s s a m u on his name F pl c d t p p , ’ On fa mous Bo swo rth s field 3

o u r ena t h e a r of De on t oo C t y, E l v , , And Aru n e of en d l K t, W o er n s an d men as ru e ith th k ight , t , W r for eas u en ho w e e pl re b t .

’ e r s u res a en e in eir r a n Th i q i tt d d th t i , Their da ughters you ng and fair ’ ome s e or D aub enn s eart t o a n S igh d L d y h g i ,

H is repu tatio n s hare .

’ As o er t he dr a wbridge on th at day Capa r isoned th e passed n nd au t h e s a So gra d a g y di pl y , o r a s It s carce c uld b e su p s ed .

es e wi e t o r en o r fo e T he ga t op d d f i d , So noble D aubenn y wil l ed T h e ou ter ba llium to its end s fi With specta tor was lled .

h e ou u as mar s of e T l d h zz , k d light, T h e er air now ren v y t, ’ As t h e sun s dazzling r ays of light S ne o n the a ean ho p g t .

era ann ers e H ldic b lift d high, O ar ous orms w ere s een f v i f , W o ours t o a ra t h e e e ith c l tt ct y , O a u re ue o r r een f z bl g .

L on - ear e men e a a rme w lan e g b d d , ch d ith c , All men of mar a ee s ti l d d , 64 The Ancient H istory of B ridgwa ter

In o m a ne w ere in a an e c p ct li dv c , o un e o n me e s ee s M t d ttl d t d .

Th e s r ru t o orme a an e res ti p p f d l c t, ’ O er which a cro s s w a s st r ung ’ A s l er e las e o er the reas i v b lt h d b t,

From which a bu gl e h ung .

a and n e a s e s e L dy k ight, ch id by id , S oon foll owed 1n t h e tra ck ; ’ E a la s re ran e its r e ch dy g y p c d p id , ’ T e s ere a he bold knights s te d w bl ck .

T he s and s rru s oo e as o bit ti p l k d g ld , The bridles white a s snow On e er s e wal e eo men o ith id k d y b ld ,

With quiver and with bo w .

e ame the earls w ose s ern loo s e l N xt c , h t k t l O au rou s a n f h ghty, p d di d i , Whose s ummo ns thou sands could compe l T o w a o foll in th eir tr i n. Close in thei r rear a f ew reno wned ’ Fo r a lour in w ar s e v fi ld , Wh o h ad w en an er s ern f rowne , h d g t ly d; With c our a ge borne their s hield

Wh o h ad 1n ffi u es s a r e di c lti h d , A nd w on s n u s e l a e di ti g i h d p c , But now w ear s a nd a rms re are , ith h t p p d, W se ere eager f or th e cha . Was e ver s een such gay pa rade Th e mu u es r emar ltit d k, e e h e al vacad e A s th y survey d t c , ’ I n P eth ert on s wide p ar k .

e s oon w ere orme w n it s oun s Th y f d ithi b d , It s gro ves of sylvan green h e un sman w th e ee - one oun s T h t , ith d p t d h d , us u s w re seen In v ari o gro p e .

h e rou - a re s a o un w an e e T gh h i d t gh d, ith y ’ Keen a s t he arrow s fli ht W rac e u o rm fittedt o ith g f l f fly, e o n mus m & t sh wi g cled ight .

The s ee a re o un s w en en re l k h i d h d , ith p d t ca , T o sweep the morning d ew e r loo sa a ous a e ar s Th i k g ci pp , e r e and o our rue Th i h ight c l t .

T he s o e ea les s a ere ro un p tt d b g c tt d d, An a e l e a ctiv ittl p ck , W nose a rea t o t he r un ith l dy g o d, ’ W a ur ith t il c led o er the back .

66 The A ncient H istory of B ridgw

A f ew w as n s ren en ue ith l ti g t gth d d , Le d o n t h e res s n a p i g p ck .

U n e now w a mus wen it d h t ic t, In o r us o f a a rm ch l , So mu t h e o ser w as th e s en ch cl c t , The o u er w as t he arm l d ch .

T e -t o a ne the s a e s h hill p g i d . t g h too d A s wa u a s a r tchf l bi d , With ear bent to wa rds a nei hb ourin g we T he fearful s ound he he ard Quickly he turned by o ther ways T o rea ch once more the pla in ’ To ok his stra ight co ur se o er rugged brae is a n T o reach h lair ag i .

' The ea n s o r smen us e v th ea l di g t fl h d g h t, e u a pe n a e K pt p c ti p c , And little drea mt tgey so on w ould meet

Th e obj ect of their chase .

T oo s oon fo r in a narro w en , gl , A s an en r e or s e ci t c d t ll, But a s ho rt distance from t h e men

Ro de Lady Arundel .

Do wn ame t he s a rom u er roun c t g f pp g d, W u r ous a e he a me ith f i p c c , e s or smen ea r t h e r us in soun T h p t h d h g d, f or h me And trembled t e da .

ne m nu e mo re hi s r an i n ea O i t , b ch g h d ’ T he l a dy s ste ed would mee t Within t hat minute h e l ay de a d l

And prostra te at her feet . Ano th er wr eath fr om smiling fame a arro w a ne r o w Th t g i d, I t , It w ith a true precis io n came ’ r o o a nn s bo w F m y ung Lo r d D ub e y .

H e au a m se of an er near c ght gli p d g , And s ru n the a a ar t g f t l d t, W ra ise an a nd i s on lear ith p ct d h d v i c , H e sen to t he ear t it h t.

Th e u es o n in re e e b g l j i v ill , T h e h ea r t he s tir ring ro u nd A e nga nt s mo e th e s a awa tt v t g y,

As spo rtsmen gather round .

T h e a A run e was o u n L dy d l y g, T h e blus h w a s on h er fa ce H er a r th e eme e er h i th of v y tongue, H er eau an her e b ty d gra c . The A ncient st r o r id water 67 H i o y f B g .

’ T he as e wa s ru n o n r s n s da ch C i pi y, ron ers mus n e If ch icl t id , And e re c ould foll o w a ster -d ay ’ She w D n n r e as Lor d au be y s b id . S uch feas ting and su ch j oyous glee We ne er mu s or e v t f g t, It h appene d then wh a t al l wou ld see a our an V l d bea u ty met . Long did Bridgw ater C astle ring W sou n s o f re e r ith d v l y, And e a rs t o ome ar s e wo ul s n y c b d th y d i g, O a an Daub enn f g ll t y .

In he me o f 26th w er am u a on w as ma e o f al l t ti Ed ard I . a p b l ti d f ores s in s oun r in o r er t o r u e em t o e r an en l aw t thi c t y, d ed c th th i ci t o s Th e oun s f ‘ r e er on are us fu l b und . b d o t h e p arish o f No th P th t th es r e e nn n at a r e a e E bb n e ru e and rom d c ib d B gi i g b idg c ll d y B gg , f thence ru n. along a cer tain ditch by t h e skirts o f a wood t o a certain l a e a e H unt n a e t o a a e a e J o an We e and en e k c ll d y g g , pl c c ll d y , th c ’ go ing a lo ng a cer ta in du ct betw een t h e King s demesne and the f ee o f a na P e e a nd o n H eron ea n on t he r a moor al e S bi ch J h , l vi g ight c l d e e u t o E bb ne ru e t he a e w er e ‘ th e oun s firs L gh , p y B gg , pl c h b d t e an A nd uror s sa l an con b g . j y that a l t h e pla ces o n th e r ight h d tained within t he cir cuit of th e bounds a bo ve mentioned is th e ’ ” K in s ores g F t .

F I N I S .

‘

A di er tis ements .

INTE N ,

S om r set H ous e F o r e S tr eet B r id wa ter e , , g ,

WH OL ESALE RE TAIL

WM A C C N E S W,

L nd n B rmin h a m Sh effi e l o o , i g d

Wan muz man it meral ea t l fit w kes .

A lar e L ot o AL K I S TI K a lwa s on ha g f W N G C S y nd.

I AC O R D R O F SHING T KLE F EVE Y ESC IPTI N .

The Choicest h a , C e pest, and Best Cigars.

’ ’ L a di e s G en l em en s B a s and S ra s t g t p ,

MUS ICAL INS T RUME NTS J E WE LLE R& , ,

And all n G ki ds of Fancy oods .

dn l tsh a nd g orei n fl ats/t ots in r ea t Wa ri h y y g e y . — N .B . Al l Goo s lainl marke at mo era e ri es d p y d d t p c . ‘ i mcnts 70 Adi crt sc .

a s . a e s a a s s CE LE BRATE D OINT

CAL L E D T H E

I s confidently r ecommended t o th e pu fa iling remedy fo r Wound s of every ( 1

U era e o re e s o f en ea lc t d S L g , (if tw ty y

u s B rn s a s B r ses Chil hl a C t , u , Sc ld , ui ,

r on s and m es in th e a e Sor E upti , Pi pl F c ,

es ore H ea s re Brea s s es P i Ey , S d , So t , Pil ,

S old in P ots a t and

ALSO H IS

P /LUL/ E AN T/SOROP

’ Confirmed by Sixty & ea r s experience exception one of th e best alterative compounded for pur ifying th e bloo d and a

l o era n T e orm a ha in a l h er p tio s. h y f il

‘ F amily Aper ient th a t may be tak en at al l

n nemen or an e of e co fi t ch g di t .

S o l d i n B o x e s a t 11/

ol d l b t he r o r e ors B AC and R S y P p i t , E H BA D s ensa r R D P OR a l l r es e a e M edi i p y, B I T, by p ct bl

i

T P A E F r t . r E . G o e /S B By . , ,

Unive o f California N I LIBRAR FACILIT SOUTHE R RE G O Al . Y Y 405 l-ill ard Ave n e Lo s An eles CA 90024-1388 g u , g , Retu rn this material to the lib rary

fro mwh ich it was bo rrowed .