Blake Museum, Bridgwater

'CSS Alabama' nameplate

Display commemorating Bridgwater's once-thriving brick and tile industry

'Bath Bricks' were made from silt deposited by the tidal River Parrett in Bridgwater, and were used all over the world for cleaning purposes

in Bridgwater, Somerset

Museum located in the house where Admiral Blake was born

Exhibits relate to important events in the history of the town and its surrounding villages, its industries, and its maritime connections.

One interesting exhibit is illustrated here: The nameplate of the notorious American Confederate States raider CSS Alabama, built by John Laird, Sons and Co. The ship was eventually sunk off Cherbourg by the Union ship Kearsage. A Brixham vessel, Deerhound, rescued crew members and recovered some wreckage, including the nameplate. A crew member of Deerhound settled in Bridgwater, and one of his descendants, Mr Withcombe, presented the memento to the Blake Museum

[1] Museum website

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