Between at least 1885 and 1891 Sisters of Mercy occupied a building in King Street as a convent. (Dunning, Victoria County History, p.236). The Sisters took on the teaching in the attached Roman Catholic School. There was also a laundry on Chapel Street, where the sisters did washing for customers.
The Sisters of Mercy had been established in 1831 in Dublin, the intention being they would devote themselves to acts of mercy, such as educating poor girls and providing shelter to destitute women. They presumably carried out these duties in Bridgwater.
Their convent in King Street appears to be a fairly typical early nineteenth century townhouse, similar to those in Dampiet Street or along Salon Parade, albeit a stone plaque, presumably advertising their presence, was erected above the front door. A courtyard at the back of the property seems to have given access to the nearby Catholic Chapel and the Laundry on Chapel Street.
More work needs to be done on this institution. If you have any leads we will be keen to hear from you.
For more on St Joseph’s on the Quay see Tony Woolrich’s article here.