We had a trip to our favourite local town Bridgwater this afternoon, as the Beach’d Buoys shanty band were performing, and husband is one of the Buoys. It was a function so I quite happily wandered off, first to find coffee, then to have a wander, and then to visit the excellent town museum.
Blake Museum is a 16th century house located in the heart of Bridgwater, a historic market town and port, first mentioned as Brugie in the Domesday Book of 1086. The Museum was first opened to the public in 1926 and it is said that Robert Blake, the town’s most famous citizen, was born in the house in 1598.With the collections covering Bridgwater and the surrounding areas, we have fascinating displays waiting for you to discover.
A friend who is an expert in old English told me that the place was called Brycg meaning bridge or wharf and when the Normans conquered England the area was given to a knight called Walter so Brycg + Walter became Bridgwater!
Robert Blake played a significant part in English history, and yet he is little known apart from those who’ve studied the Civil War, or who have an interest in Bridgwater.
This is what the museum website tells us:
The son of a prosperous Bridgwater merchant, Robert Blake became Member of Parliament for the town in 1640. Joining the Parliamentary party against King Charles I during the Civil War, he became Cromwell’s General-at-Sea.
In his lifetime, Blake was a national hero, first as a soldier in the Civil War and then as a naval commander.
When he died he was given a prestigious state funeral. He was one of the first English naval commanders to keep a fleet at sea through the winter. He was amongst the first to develop the technique of naval blockade and amphibious landing. Twice he destroyed fleets in harbour under the guns of shore forts.
It was Blake’s destruction of the Spanish fleet at Santa Cruz de Tenerife that prompted Nelson to say “I shall never be the equal of Blake.” Robert Blake was above all a leader of men. All commentators are agreed that he was the one English naval commander of his age that could get his captains to obey him. He achieved the love and respect of his men without recourse to the brutal sanctions that were to become the stock in trade of the eighteenth century Navy.
In everything Blake maintained humility, humanity and a total dedication to duty. He is the unsung midwife of the British Navy.
If you’re ever near Bridgwater, do visit, and do visit the museum (check when it’s open, it’s run by volunteers and over winter has restricted opening.) You could also visit The Old Vicarage, a great restaurant – and haunted hotel. There is also the famous Bridgwater Carnival which is fabulous:
Bridgwater Carnival procession will always be held on the first Saturday in November. This year, 2023 – Saturday 4th November. Please note procession start time is now 6pm.
Another also, favourite author Damien Boyd’s latest novel is set during the carnival
Carnival season is off to an explosive start in this thriller from the bestselling DI Nick Dixon crime series… “Carnival Blues” by Damien Boyd
PS Despite the torrential rain which unexpectedly overwhelmed the town, I still had a great visit despite ending up soaking wet! As Admiral Blake might have said, ‘worse things happen at sea’!
Lois Elsden 