Talk:Bridgwater

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Article milestones
Date	Process	Result
April 5, 2010	Good article nominee	Listed

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Untitled

Wow! That last revision was fantastic; really added a lot to the entry. I'm originally from Bridgwater (obviously) and didn't know much about the town's wartime history, so thanks for that. Is the large fenced area of wasteland on Colley Lane the POW camp?

Rayray 14:37 27 Jun 2003 (UTC)

What a great page! Anyone got any photos, though?Redlentil 21:03, 6 Oct 2004 (UTC)

I have added one image - the British Cellophane advertisement - and when I get chance this weekend, will scan some more recent images of the town. Rayray 14:02, 11 Mar 2005 (UTC)

Bridgwater in the Victoria County History

For navigation click on the phrase "A History of the County of Somerset: Vol 6" to get the index for the complete book - covers North Petherton etc. Alternatively, each page has a link after the endnotes to the previous and succeeding sections. Apwoolrich 19:36, 17 August 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Sedgmoor History - Local Interest

I live in the Bridgwater area (Cannington) and was born in the South West, but am now accomodated at the DSFC, and am very interessted on the millitary history (particularly WW2) of Bridgwater and it's surrounding area, mainly the Taunton stop line. I'd be grateful of any info on the POW camp as altough I live so close I've never found much out about it. Also is there much in the way of naval history during this period for the Sedgmoor area, as Brigwater was an important port (even if it lost it's importance at the begginging of the 20th century)?

Point of detail - Gerber

Last time I tried to alter an article I got flamed, so only want to point out that under "Present" the article refers to Gerber Foods on Express Park, this being linked to an article about Gerber Products Company. In fact the company on Express Park is Gerber Foods (Soft Drinks) Ltd, a juice and drink manufacturer which has no connection to Gerber Products Company.

D666D 17:59, 9 October 2007 (UTC) I redirected this link away from Gerber Products a few weeks back, (not having read this page). I don't know when the above anon comment was added, but all appears OK now (although no article on the correct Gerber Foods appears to exists on Wikipedia at the moment, but I added them onto the Gerber disambiguation page with a link to their parent company Hanover Acceptances Group [1])[reply]

Guy Fawkes

im a resident in bridgwater and i go to the carnival every year, im wuite dedicated to the town and enjoy alot about it, However, i think you are wrong, although we are rebels i think that the carnvial is to celebrate Guy fawkes getting caught and therfor preventing it, why would you want to celebrate somebody theying to murder out majisty.

This comment appears to be out of date as the article does not mention that it is a celebration of the attempt to blow-up paliament (or the monarch). Indeed, all 5th of November events (including bonfire, carnivals and fireworks) across the UK is a celebration of the failure. D666D 18:09, 9 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Revision & refs

I have edited this article to more closely fit with the guidelines at Wikipedia:WikiProject UK geography/How to write about settlements. I've also added a few pictures & lots of references. Therefore I've removed the "ref improve" tag but I've left ""citation needed"" at a few points where I think further refs would be useful. If anyone has any local history books or other sources which can verify these statements that would be great. Once those are done I think it would be on the way to meeting the Wikipedia:Good article criteria, with some further copy editing, and could join the growing collection of Good articles at Wikipedia:WikiProject Somerset.— Rod ^talk 20:48, 20 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Bridgwater docks - date last used

The current version of the page says "The last commercial use of the docks was when coal imports ceased on July 31, 1971" - not citation given. According to the January 2009 edition of Somerset Life, page 118, "Bridgwater Docks finally closed in 1969, when the local cellophane plant switched from coal to fuel oil". Clearly a discrepancy here that needs resolving. Perhaps coal imports ended in '69 and the docks closed in '71? 213.218.216.132 (talk) 23:33, 28 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

You could change it using the Somerset Life ref given above, but I've been trying to find some further data/corroboration. There is nothing on Port of Bridgwater from Sedgemoor Dist Council and Victoria County History from British History Online (generally a reliable source) says "In 1953 tonnage had fallen to 52,766, the last year when commercial shipping passed the telescopic bridge to berth at the riverside quays. The whole port, exporting an average of 5,000 tons in the 1930s, exported none in 1968. The docks, their future already uncertain, took no more coal after 1966 and were closed in 1971." A brief history of Bridgwater also gives 1971 as the closure date, as does the Somerset Historic Environment Record. I can't find the source for July 31 but on balance I think 1971 is correct - does anyone have better/more detailed info?— Rod ^talk 09:52, 29 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Henry II

The site states that "William Briwere was granted the lordship of the Manor of Bridgwater by Henry II in 1201"

Henry II died in 1189. John was on the throne in 1201.

134.160.145.2 (talk) 00:11, 20 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Well spotted. I'm going to the library today & will try to get a copy of the book cited as the reference for this.— Rod ^talk 08:06, 20 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I've now got a copy of the book cited & it does say John rather than Henry, therefore I've changed the article.— Rod ^talk 11:08, 20 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Concrete folly?

I would love to see something added regarding Castle House, the fascinating concrete folly in the town. Was it the first all-concrete building to be erected in the UK or something? There's little to be found on the Internet, but a picture can be seen here. Clash frontman Joe Strummer apparently wanted to help save the building from crumbling by raising money - see this article for further info. Careful With That Axe (talk) 11:01, 29 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I think with the Independent source above + the Images of England & Somerset Historic Environment Record entries there is plenty for you to add something to this article & it is notable enough for it's own article.— Rod ^talk 07:36, 30 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I've made a start at Castle House, Bridgwater, feel free to improve & if anyone has a photo that would be great.— Rod ^talk 21:31, 30 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I have uploaded a photo taken last year, showing the supporting webbing. This can be used, if you wish.— Careful With That Axe, Eugene 07:58, 3 July 2009 (UTC)

—Preceding unsigned comment added by Careful With That Axe, Eugene (talk • contribs) 07:58, 3 July 2009 (UTC)[reply]

What else is needed to get this article to GA?

I've been editing this article to try to bring it closer to the guidelines at WP:UKCITIES and would be interested in what other editors think is need to get it to meet the Wikipedia:Good article criteria? Obviously we need to revise the lead to summarise the article & reference (or remove) the uncited claims, but is there anything else which would be required?— Rod ^talk 22:50, 13 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

GA Review

This review is transcluded from Talk:Bridgwater/GA1. The edit link for this section can be used to add comments to the review.

Reviewer: –– Jezhotwells (talk) 17:49, 4 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I shall be reviewing this article against the Good Article criteria, following its nomination for Good Article status. I am aware that the nominator will be without access 9-16 April or thereabout, rest assured that I will not fail it during that time. –– Jezhotwells (talk) 17:51, 4 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Checking against GA criteria

GA review (see here for criteria)

It is reasonably well written.
a (prose): b (MoS):
~~Consistency: William Briwere, William de Briwere, William Brewer - stick to one form~~ Done

Done

Unusually, the main entrance opposite the Cornhill was built with a pair of adjacent gates and drawbridges if not cited, this could represent a POV Done

Hopefully explained

Parliamentary representation began in 1295 and continued until the Reform Act of 1870. This implies that there is no representation today Done

Expanded - interesting bit re disenfranchised constituency

The medieval importance of these markets and fairs for the sale of wool and wine and later of cloth has gone - suggest a reword here, something like "The importance of these markets and fairs for the sale of wool and wine, and later of cloth in declined after medieval times." Done

Done - using your wording

Matters seem to have calmed by 1688 when the Dampiet Street Unitarian chapel was founded. - represents a POV Done

This appears to be supported by the last part of Ref23 - is more needed?— Rod ^talk 20:41, 4 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Right - got it. This was originally Presbyterian, becoming Unitarian in the early nineteenth century. I reworded a little to clarify. –– Jezhotwells (talk) 11:18, 5 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In the 1685 Monmouth Rebellion, the rebel James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth was proclaimed King in various local towns including on the Cornhill in Bridgwater. - a bit clumsy, maybe "In the 1685 Monmouth Rebellion, the rebel James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth was proclaimed King on the Cornhill in Bridgwater and in other local towns." Done

Reworded

Most commercial shipping travels upriver as far as Dunball wharf, which handles bulk cargoes should that be "no further than"? Done

Reworded

The current MP is Ian Liddell-Grainger, a member of the Conservatives - better would be "... a member of the Conservative Party." Done

Reworded

Bridgwater is situated, on the edge of the Somerset Levels, in a level and well-wooded country, repeaqst the pharse used in the lead, better to vary it somewhat. Done

Reworded

... later becoming the fifth largest in England until eclipsed by Bristol in the 18th century. I know I am biased here, but I don't find that statement supported in ref #6 [2] Done

2 British History Online references (Cannington & Bridgwater) had got merged in the referencing system - hopefully now sorted + I've added refs for 5th largest

Bridgwater was the leading industrial town in Somerset. Is it no more so? Done

Reworded

Landmarks: Stray sentences need consolidating into paragraphs. Done

Done

Brunel left the centering scaffold is that the right spelling, I understand what is meant, but have not encountered the word before. Done

Reworded

~~Education: Again consolidate stray sentences, also in Arts and Religious sites~~ Done

Done

It is factually accurate and verifiable.
a (references): b (citations to reliable sources): c (OR):
The article is well referenced, all sources to which I had access supported the statements. All appeared to be reliable sources
It is broad in its coverage.
a (major aspects): b (focused):
A few minor queries:

'Sports' - Cricket? Sports Centres? Sailing Clubs? Done

Not a lot but I've added hockey, cricket & leisure centre. The swimming pool closed last year

~~Are there any non-Christian places of worship, eg Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish?~~ Done

Not a lot - added RC & a Buddhist evening class at Quaker meeting house

It follows the neutral point of view policy.
Fair representation without bias:
It is stable.
No edit wars, etc.:
It is illustrated by images, where possible and appropriate.
a (images are tagged and non-free images have fair use rationales): b (appropriate use with suitable captions):
Overall:
Pass/Fail:
Very good, just the points raised above, which I hope don't seem too daunting. I shall place on hold until 20 April in view of the nominator's absence for much of that time. –– Jezhotwells (talk) 18:59, 4 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the comments, I've tried to address them - but do wonder if Dampiet Street Unitarian chapel is now OK?— Rod ^talk 22:22, 4 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

See my comment above about this. I am now happy to confirm this as a Good article, congratulations. –– Jezhotwells (talk) 11:18, 5 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for your review (& edits) they have certainly helped to improve the article.— Rod ^talk 12:04, 5 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Minor Inaccuracies

At a glance, the name of the parish church needs to be corrected in more than one place and, also, where is the Chapel in Church Street? The only 'church' thing that was ever in Church Street to my knopwledge, was the 'Admiral Blake Coffee Tavern' before it moved to Eastover. Peter Randle (talk) 12:10, 19 April 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Peter, Thanks for your comment. Can you be a little more specific - what name should Church of St Mary, Bridgwater have? This source says "Church of St Mary" or are we talking about another church? The one on church street is described by this source as "Elim Pentecostal Church GV II Public house, now a shop" this may be out of date however. You can of course change the article your self (by clicking on the edit tab), particularly if you can find references to back up the changes you wish to make.— Rod ^talk 12:19, 19 April 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Rod, Wow - that was quick. No, to clarify I meant that St Mary's Church is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, not St. Mary Magdalene under which name it is referred to more than once. I think that the Elim Pentecostal Church was and still is in Penel-Orlieu, and not Church Street. (It is so easy to write a publication and change history) I would prefer someone with better key-board control to change the article as it is basically very good and I don't want to take the blame for ruining it! Peter Randle (talk) 12:38, 19 April 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Looking at the church web site I can't see any indication of which St Mary it is dedicated to. St Mary redirects to Mary (mother of Jesus) are you saying this is the right one rather than Mary Magdalene?— Rod ^talk 16:12, 19 April 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I'm also confused about the Elim Pentecostal church this ref says "54 High Street" in the header but then if you click the "Listing Text" tab it says Clare Street. The scale of the tsreet map I'm looking at is not detailed enough to resolve it.— Rod ^talk 17:24, 19 April 2011 (UTC)[reply]

The listing text is wrong, as you can quickly see if you read it through. 54 Clare Street is the 'English Raj' Indian restaurant. The listed building is at 54 High Street in the wide part at the west end of Clare Street; indeed, it is next door to 62, Clare Street. More recently it was The Gallery and is now the Palace nightclub. What is it that was in Church Street - on the east bank? 86.130.154.102 (talk) 00:00, 11 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Hamp

Any objection to changing the redirect Hamp from North Petherton to HAMP (disambiguation)?Vchimpanzee · talk · contributions · 20:55, 28 November 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Midsummer Fair

The source given says that the Midsummer fair was granted by King John in 1200 (not 1201) and confirmed by subsequent monarchs in 1371, 1400, 1539, and 1587. Therefore it is impossible that a new Midsummer Fair could have been added in 1554. Also the source given does not mention any Michaelmas fair (Sept 21) added in 1554 either. ----Ehrenkater (talk) 15:21, 28 October 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I should have checked more carefully. I just searched for Midsummer fair. For old charters etc I often go to Victoria County Histoies which are available from British History Online (relevant page http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol6/pp192-206 however this doesn't help on this occasion. This page talks about the charter being renewed 1488, 1495, and 1512. The GUNUKI page does say there is a Michaelmas fair under Royal Charter but doesn't give a date , as does This page. Local fairs are listed here. The first insertion of info about fairs was added (by an IP) on 26 June 2003 and St Matthews (September 21) added with this edit on 9 January 2004.— Rod ^talk 20:00, 28 October 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I have reduced the detail in the uncited claims re fairs & added references.— Rod ^talk 19:26, 3 November 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Sources for future article expansion

Further reading sections are almost always a bad idea on Wiki since they're uncurated and tend to bloat unhelpfully. Kindly restore these sources—

"Bridgwater with and without the 'e' " ', Roger Evans, ISBN 0-9525674-0-7
A History of Bridgwater, J.C. Lawrence, ISBN 1-86077-363-X
Bridgwater Victorian Days, Philip James Squibbs, ISBN 0-9501022-1-0
Somerset in the Age of Steam, Peter Stanier, ISBN 0-86183-481-X
"Remember Remember". The Story of Bridgwater Carnival, written by Chris Hocking who is president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee
A History of the County of Somerset: Vol 6: Bridgwater (1992)
The Somerset Urban Archaeological Survey: Bridgwater, by Clare Gathercole

—once they are being used to verify statements in the running text or once they've been glossed to explain to readers how they are important or helpful. — $Llywelyn II$ 01:27, 13 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

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Why are the Geology and Climate subsections under Governance?

Shouldn't it be under Geography or something along those lines? Goldclock (talk) 15:28, 20 January 2024 (UTC)[reply]