The Friends of Blake Museum help bring Bridgwater’s history to life by staging monthly talks at the museum. These popular events are a great way to spend an evening and learn a bit about local history.
Our talks cover a wide range of subjects connected to Bridgwater, Somerset, from maritime history and local industry to archaeology, architecture, and the stories of the people who shaped this town.
Talks are free to attend for Friends of Blake Museum members and £3 on the door for non-members. All welcome. We hope to see you at one of our talks soon!
For more information about our future talks – and all our upcoming events – take a look at our calendar.
Our Next Talk
‘The Bridgwater Wireless Station (and Others in Somerset)’ by Larry Bennett
Former radio officer and manager of the Admiralty List of Radio Signals, Larry Bennett, is coming to Blake Museum to deliver a talk on the Bridgwater Wireless Station, detailing its development, role, and eventual decline.
Larry will also be divulging details on the Chedzoy Experimental Radiotelephone Station, the receiving stations at Somerton and Highbridge, and the large transmitting site at Portishead, exploring Somerset’s pioneering role in the development of long-distance radio communication.
📍Blake Museum
📅 Tuesday 8th September
🕰️ 7.30pm (doors open 7pm)
🎟️ Free for Friends of Blake Museum members | £3 on the door for non-members
What’s Been Going On in 2026
2026 has gotten off to a fantastic start, with outstanding attendances for all our amazing speakers.
‘The Somerset Brickworks (and the Brick and Tile Industry)’ by Stephen Bartlett
Geologist and hydrologist Stephen Bartlett delved into the history of the Somerset brickworks, a crucial industry that helped build Bridgwater’s prosperity for over 200 years.
We were pleased to welcome more than 50 people to this excellent talk. A big thank you to Stephen for delivering it.
‘The Tide is High’ by Captain Jessica Tyson
We were thrilled to welcome Captain Jessica Tyson, a marine pilot and the Port of Bridgwater’s Harbour Master in June.
‘The Battle of Sedgemoor (or the Pitchfork Rebellion)’ by Peter Evans
‘The 1820 Settlers to South Africa’ by Dawn Denton
