Bridgwater

Bridgwater
From the top to bottom-right, Corn Exchange, Church of St Mary and statue of Robert Blake, Bridgwater War Memorial, The Port, Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, Bridgwater Town Hall
Bridgwater Location within Somerset
Population	41,276 [1]
OS grid reference	ST305370
Civil parish	Bridgwater[2]
Unitary authority	Somerset Council
Ceremonial county	Somerset
Region	South West
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	BRIDGWATER
Postcode district	TA5, TA6, TA7
Dialling code	01278
Police	Avon and Somerset
Fire	Devon and Somerset
Ambulance	South Western
UK Parliament	Bridgwater
Councillors	Mayor (Tony Heywood)
List of places UK England Somerset 51°07′41″N 2°59′35″W / 51.128°N 2.993°W / 51.128; -2.993

Bridgwater is a historic market town and civil parish in Somerset, England. The town had a population of 41,276 at the 2021 census.^[1] Bridgwater is at the edge of the Somerset Levels, in level and well-wooded country. The town lies along both sides of the River Parrett; it has been a major inland port and trading centre since the industrial revolution. Most of its industrial bases still stand today. Its larger neighbour, Taunton, is linked to Bridgwater via a canal, the M5 motorway and the GWR railway line.

Historically, the town had a politically radical tendency. The Battle of Sedgemoor, where the Monmouth Rebellion was finally crushed in 1685, was fought nearby. Notable buildings include the Church of St Mary and Blake Museum, which is a largely restored house in Blake Street and was the birthplace of Admiral Blake in 1598. The town has an arts centre and plays host to the annual Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.