This page looks at the Civic Medals produced by the Corporation of Bridgwater, or semi official organisations within the town, in the twentieth century. The list is not exhaustive, and will be expanded over time. If we’ve missed any we will be glad to hear from you. Also see our Coronations page for the context of some of these medals. .
1902 Coronation medals for Edward VII.
Two medals were struck/cast for Edward VII, one with just the king, the second with his wife Alexandria.
Obverse: The seal of Bridgwater, crowned. Inscription: TO COMMEMORATE THE CORONATION OF KING EDWARD VII JUNE 26TH 1902. ALDERMAN THOS W. MANCHIP MAYOR. Top Bar: Imperial Crown. Inscription: E.R. LONG LIVE THE KING
Reverse: Bust of Edward. Inscription: EDWARD KING AND EMPEROR. 1902.
Red buckram box.
It is unclear if the medal ribbon here is original.
1911 Coronation medal for George V and Mary.
Shepton Mallet Journal 31 March 1911 – mention that Children under 14 would be presented with medals.
Obverse: The seal of Bridgwater, encircled and crowned. Inscription: TO COMMEMORATE THE CORONATION OF KING GEORGE V JUNE 2ND 1911. ALDERMAN N. W. POLLARD MAYOR.
Reverse: Bust of George and Mary. Inscription: H. M. GEORGE V. H. M. QUEEN MARY. 1911.
1919 Victory Medal
Appears to be a cheap white metal material. Medal diameter 33mm. Length including ribbon, approx 76mm.
Obverse: The seal of Bridgwater without motto. Inscription: TO COMMEMORATE THE TERMINATION OF THE GREAT WAR 1914-1919. COUNCILLOR F. G. HAGGETT J. P. MAYOR OF BRIDGWATER.
Reverse: Winged Victory holding two laurel wreaths standing above two shields (the union flag and royal arms) and two branches. Inscription: BRITAIN AUSTRALIA N. ZEALAND S. AFRICA EGYPT ITALY FRANCE U. STATES BELGIUM SERBIA INDIA CANADA. Around the globe in very small letters is the inscription: RD. NO. 885631.
1919+ Allotment Society Medal
A commemorative medallion for the Bridgwater and District Allotment Holders’ Association. The Association was formed on 25 April 1919 (Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser 11 January 1922; Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser 10 January 1923). This medal was presumably made to give as a prize at the annual show or dinner. The organisation was still active in the 1960s. Possibly Bronze 51mm diameter.
Obverse, the seal of Bridgwater. Surrounding inscription: SIGILLUM MAJORIS BALLIVOR ET BURGENC. VILLE DE BRIDGEWATER.
Reverse: Two laurel branches surrounding a blank space with only the inscription PRESENTED TO. Surrounding inscription: BRIDGWATER AND DISTRICT ALLOTMENT HOLDERS’ ASSOCIATION.
Also associated with the society is this committee members badge, 32.5mm in diameter. Of unclear date, this appears to be silver plated brass.
1937 Coronation medal for George VI and Elizabeth
Obverse: The seal of Bridgwater without motto. Inscription: BOROUGH OF BRIDGWATER. PRESENTED BY F. J. REED J. P. C. C. MAYOR.
Reverse: Busts of George and Elizabeth. Inscription: CORONATION OF KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH. 12 MAY 1937.
1974 Borough of Bridgwater Medal
Marking the dissolution of the borough in 1974. Two versions shown.
The left medal is shiny is person, almost silver, while the right is a dark bronze colour. Obverse: full coat of arms of Bridgwater. Inscription: BOROUGH OF BRIDGWATER.Reverse: Inscription: BOROUGH OF BRIDGWATER 1200-1974.Presentation box. Thomas Fattorini, Regent Street, Birmingham.
