Clement Trenchard (Headmaster of Dr Morgan’s School, Bridgwater), published in the Bridgwater Booklets series, part of the East Gate Press, in 1929.
Extracts:
The defenders relied chiefly upon earthworks or redoubts described as “mounts.” A chain of these ran from St. John’s Hospital to Dunwear, while another line covered the north west face of the Town. Here also there was an outwork on the further side of the ditch, (probably in the form of a horn-work, i.e., two demi-bastions joined by a curtain) which enabled enfilade fire to be brought to bear towards Northgate or Westgate. The position of this work is doubtful, but it probably was erected near the present position of the Electric Light Works, and has given its name, “The Mount” to the present street.
…
The fall of the town caused as much consternation to the Royalists as it caused jubilation among the Parliamentarians. Clarendon writes, “It was in truth matter of amazement to all men, nor was it any excuse, that it was not of strength enough against so strong an army; for it was so strongly situated, that it might well have had all those additions which were necessary, by fortifications, that it was inexcusable in a governor, (who had enjoyed that charge above three years, with all allowances he had himself desired, and had often assured the King ‘that it was not to be taken’) that it was not able to resist any strength that could come before it for one week ; and within less than that time it was surrendered and put into Fairfax’s hands.”