BRIDGWATER, seaport and municipal borough, Somerset, England. Pop. (1931) 17,139. It lies in the level country east of the Quantock Hills, on the River Parret, 1 om. from its mouth; and its two portions are connected by an iron bridge. The settle ment (Briges, Briggewalteri, Brigewauter) is probably Saxon in origin, owing its growth to a favourable position on the chief river of Somerset. It became a free borough, having a Saturday market and an annual fair, by a charter of 1201. Fairs for the sale of wool and wine were important in mediaeval times. Nu merous charters were granted in the 14th century, and the borough was incorporated in 1468. The trade of the port revived after the construction of the new dock in 1841. The principal church is that of St. Mary Magdalene, in part of 14th century date. The town was the birthplace of Admiral Blake (1598). Five miles to the south-east is Sedgemoor, a marshy tract where the Monmouth rebellion was crushed in 1685. The river is navigable to the town for vessels of 200 tons, but is liable to a bore which sometimes attains nine feet. There is a considerable coasting trade, the chief article of export being bath bricks, in which the town has a monopoly. They are made of the mingled sand and clay de posited by the tides. Farm produce, earthenware and cement are also exported, while coal and timber are imported. There is a station on the G.W. and Somerset and Dorset railways. The town is governed by a mayor, six aldermen and 18 councillors. Area 93o ac. It is included in the Bridgwater parliamentary county division.