![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bridgwaterheritage.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1902-Frith-48713.jpg\")
Only three months after receiving this position, in November 1845, Charles married. This was at the new church of Holy Trinity in Bridgwater (which had only recently been built to designs of Richard Carver, and built by Thomas Hutchings \u2013 both fellow and rival architects to Charles in the Bridgwater area). Charles was wealthy enough to marriage by licence. In the marriage register, Charles described himself as an architect of High Street Bridgwater, son of Charles Knowles, gentleman. He married Eliza Baker of Bridgwater, daughter of William Baker, Currier <\/a>(the noted polymath). Witnesses were William Baker junior <\/a>(the noted artist) and Ann Knowles, Charles\u2019 sister. Although Charles was describing himself as an architect at this time, we do not know of any buildings he had designed up to this date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the earlier works we are aware that Knowles worked on was in 1848, and was a remodelling of the Chedzoy rectory with Tudor style detailing.[3]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Showing his further standing in Bridgwater, in February 1850 Charles was admitted as a Freemason to Bridgwater\u2019s Lodge of Perpetual Friendship, alongside four others, including the vicar of St Mary\u2019s (T.G. James).[4]<\/a> In the 1851 Census we find Charles and Eliza living in High Street. Charles noted his occupation as simply \u2018architect\u2019. This does not seem to be how others saw him though. John Bowen\u2019s 1854 biography of William Baker (Charles\u2019 father-in-law) describes how William\u2019s health deteriorated in 1851, but that he still made excursions into the countryside \u2018usually accompanied by his daughters or son-in-law Knowles, who was actuary to the Bridgwater Savings Bank\u2019. So although Charles saw himself as an architect, Bowen considered him a banker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charles\u2019 like-named father died in 1852, leaving his \u2018Executor in trust: Frederick Knowles of Wrington, builder and Charles Knowles of Bridgwater, architect and surveyor.\u2019[5]<\/a> In the 1861 census Frederick (1798-1869) described himself as \u2018Carpenter and Builder employing 4 Men, 1 Boy, Farmer 86 acres employing 8 Men and 1 Boy\u2019. For families to produce both builders and architects was not uncommon, the famous author Thomas Hardy, for example, was from a family of builders and trained as an architect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1853, the last assizes were held in Bridgwater, so Charles and Eliza no longer needed to host visiting judges, which must have been a burden. Charles had been commissioned to work up proposals for extending the courtroom and the town\u2019s gaol, the smallness of which were part of the reason the assizes were being discontinued in the town, but in the end nothing came of this.[6]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We have a first mention of Charles doing minor work associated with his architectural profession as \u2018surveyor to the town Council\u2019 (probably just meaning that they employed him, rather than as an official council office). He seems to have been primarily employed to help improve the pavements and drainage. This was work he continued for a long time: it was steady work, if somewhat tedious. For example, in March 1853 he composed a report to the Town Council that the pavement in Castle Street needed urgent repairs and was then commissioned to write a report on the drainage around Mount Street. Knowles suggested widening and paving Lamb Lane, but this was not followed up.[7]<\/a> In April 1853 he supervised the laying of a footpath over Salmon Lane by the town bridge for pedestrians (the roads just being impacted mud and gravel). George Bartram was the stonemason he worked with. This minor job proved to be controversial as a Mr Hewitt\u2019s horse slipped on the lias stone path, and claimed damaged from the council.[8]<\/a> This was the sort of small work with petty arguments that characterised the role. This sort of work continued for several years for the council and the market house trustees. He was working as borough surveyor up to 1873, but in 1876 he is described as \u2018former borough surveyor\u2019.[9]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1853 Knowles oversaw the rebuilding of St John\u2019s church in Durston.[10]<\/a> This was to modify the earlier 1815 extensions in an ‘Early English’ style of gothic. Church restorations were very common in this period. This was partly as the population boomed in the area, creating the need for more seating, but there was also a concerted effort to sweep away \u2018modern\u2019 interventions in medieval buildings, and \u2018restore\u2019 them to a gothic style. Much of this work could be quite heavy handed and damaging to old structures. St Mary\u2019s in Bridgwater was restored at this time by William Henry Brakespear, who (in my opinion) overly sanitised what was a very characterful building. Knowles seems to have been less severe than Brakespear, but these restorations would have been major interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first building we know that Knowles completely designed from scratch, rather than being an extension or rebuilding, comes in 1856, and was the cemetery chapel at North Petherton. He probably surveyed and designed the cemetery itself. The chapel is actually two chapels under one roof, one for the Church of England, which was consecrated, and the second for Dissenters (for congregations not part of the CofE, including Unitarians, Baptists, Methodists and so on). The building is delightful. The miniature steeple included in the chapel is certainly ambitious and seems to be loosely based on the proportions (if not detail) of St Mary\u2019s in Bridgwater. Most gothic revival steeples tried to balance the tower and spire in equal portions \u2013 Knowles has simply ignored that rule of thumb. David Bradfield of Bridgwater was the builder.[11]<\/a> Although the chapel is a joyfully odd thing, it shows that Knowles was still finding his feet in terms of design, proportions and execution. Still, that the chapel is so odd for buildings of this time, makes it all the more remarkable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Knowles work dealing with the pavements and sewers in Bridgwater involved many petty disputes (no one likes roadworks after all), he seems to have been viewed positively enough to have been offered more of that sort of work elsewhere. In September 1855 Charles was employed in Taunton surveying for the towns sewers and he continued consulting for them for several years.[12]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Charles was also keen on history and archaeology. In 1856 he was a local secretary for Bridgwater for the British Archaeological Association alongside J.H.B. Carslake (the town clerk) and Alfred Haviland.[13]<\/a> An architect of this time had to have a deep knowledge of historical architectural styles, so it is perhaps unsurprising that he went above and beyond in exploring the past. April 1856 Charles was noted as an \u2018expenditor\u2019 for St Mary\u2019s Church, Bridgwater (presumably just meaning he was helping with its administration, possibly in relation to the restoration).[14]<\/a> In 1858 there is a mention that Knowles owned a an \u2018excellent copy of the altar-piece in St Mary\u2019s Church, in water colour, painted by Mrs Chilcott\u2019, which also shows his appreciation of fine art.[15]<\/a> In the 1868 Charles Knowles was appointed a churchwarden of St Mary Church. He was confirmed over the following years to 1884 at least.[56]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1856 Charles designed a new school at Combwich. This was extended in 1866 by C.J. Walther of London.[16]<\/a> However, the building has been so heavily modified since then, its hard to say what Charles actually did. This was the first of a number of school commissions he received over the next few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In February 1857 Charles paid for an advertisement in the local newspapers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n TO THE MAGISTRATES OF THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN. It having been announced that Mr. Carver has tendered his resignation as County Surveyor, I beg most respectfully to solicit the favour of the appointment to that office, should vacancy occur, and to state that Testimonials of competency will be submitted at the proper season. I have the honor to be, My Lords and Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, CHARLES KNOWLES, Architect and Suveyor, Bridgwater, 20th<\/sup> January 1857\u2019.[17]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n In the event, Arthur Whitehead of Weston super Mare gained the position.[18]<\/a> However, he still seems to have had no issue in securing commissions, as his architectural portfolio expanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In February 1858 Charles advertised for the erection of new warehouses for Messrs Thompson of Bridgwater. These were probably their warehouses in Clare Street.[19]<\/a> These were a rare utilitarian work for Charles, but something he still added his own touch to. He could have just thrown up four walls, but instead added some features to give the walls some depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though he was picking up full new-build work, he also continued with renovations. In September 1858 Charles advertised for builders to taking down and rebuilding a portion of a mansion at Badgworth Court<\/a>.[20]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In December 1858 Knowles submitted plans for the Bridgwater West Street Church of England School (School for the Ragged Poor<\/a>).[21]<\/a> Although this building is now demolished, photographs survive, as does an account of the new building when it was completed in 1860.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The structure is gothic in character, of an early period, and is substantially built of red conglomerate [Wembdon] stone procured in the neighbourhood, with Bath stone and blue Lias dressing. The roof is covered with brown and red tiles of home manufacture, and the arrangement of colours has a very pleasing effect. The school consists of two rooms, each 46 feet by 22 feet, with timber flooring and the usual school fittings. The rooms are divided by folding doors, and each has a separate entrance, one for the boys and one for the girls. There are also two classrooms in the course of erection. The usual out offices and paved courts are provided, and there is a plentiful source of excellent water. Good drainage has been secured, and ventilation has been most carefully considered.[22]<\/a> It was considered an attractive building and Knowles was \u2018conferred great credit\u2019 by it, and that it was \u2018almost as beautiful as St Mary\u2019s church\u2019.[23]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n That year, 1858, Knowles planned the charity school in Purtion.[24]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1858 Richard Smith and George Bryant Sully initiated plans for a Town Hall in Bridgwater. Smith suggested to Knowles that the now redundant Assize Halls might be converted. Independently, Sully had asked for plans from an architect outside the town, a Mr Paull (who had designed the Congregationalists school rooms), and both councillors intended to put their ideas before the council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the Assize Halls was used for public meetings, and temporarily used by the Congregationalists while their school room was being built. But these halls were not considered adequate, the plan was to remove the halls and have one large town hall. Knowles had two plans: one would seat 950 people including an all-round gallery, the second would just have space for 850 people with a gallery only at the east end. Access would be via the current passage from High Street, with an additional entrance in Clare Street (\u2018opposite Mr Saunders\u2019). There would also be two rooms over two floors, where the old cells had been. Paull\u2019s plans were for 945 people, with offices and rooms on a ground floor and the hall above. Knowles\u2019 plan were considered more elegant than Mr Paull\u2019s. At the same meeting Knowles also presented plans to convert the dome of the Cornhill market house into a reading room.[25]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In January 1859 Knowles advertised for builders for two houses in High Street.[26]<\/a> Unfortunately we cannot say for sure where these were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n April 1859 he was employed to draw up plans for extending the front of some buildings in High Street, near the Butcher\u2019s Arms. There had once been a row of buildings up the middle of High Street, which included the Shambles, but now they were gone, it was felt some buildings that were set back (now from the entrance to Angel Place up to the Mansion House), although nothing ultimately came of this.[27]<\/a> The following year Joseph Ruscome Smith and Knowles were accused by a Mr Johnson there of preventing him building forward because they were Tories. The real reason seems to be that Johnson refused to build according to the plans provided by Knowles. Smith owned the adjoining property to Johnson and would bring his property forward if Johnson did so.[28]<\/a> In the event, Knowles seems to have remained fairly aloof from politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Somerset Heritage Centre are Knowles 1860 plans for \u2018Cossington House\u2019.[29]<\/a> These are possible for Cossington Grange, which Knowles extended from 1860 to 1863, with Jacobethan detailing.[30]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1860 Knowles was involved converting a coffee shop in the market house into a telegraph office.[31]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Also in 1860, the Town Council of Bridgwater proposed buying Charles\u2019 home in High Street, which was \u2018used for the Savings\u2019 bank\u2019. Although Knowles was the occupier, the property was owned by the Trustees of the Savings\u2019 Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018the premises originally belonged to the Corporation, and in the year 1824 the property was leased by that body to a number of persons, on certain conditions, one of which was that judges lodgings should be provided, and another was that certain rooms should be handed over to the corporation. The lease was for 5000 years and was granted without fine, in consideration of the lessees laying out money on the building [specifically a Guildhall, Grand Jury Room, Waiting Room]. The Assizes having gone from Bridgwater, the original object of the lease had disappeared, and the lesses now offered to sell it back to the Corporation for \u00a31000, the amount they themselves paid for it… Certain members of the Council looked still further expecting at some future day to convert the disused Assize Halls into a Town Hall.[32]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n During the Council\u2019s discussion, attention turned to Knowles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018It would be a great inconvenience to Mr Knowles not to have timely notice. He had been an active official of the Savings Bank for a great number of years, and they would be sorry to do anything which would in any way injure him. He thought time should be given that gentleman to suit himself. When Mr Knowles went into the house, he was compelled to buy a great quantity of furniture for the accommodation of the judges.\u2019 [33]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Ultimately it was decided to give Knowles a year to move out. Fortunately, he did not ultimately have to and was able to buy the property himself in June 1867.[34]<\/a> It was only later converted into part of the Town Hall as we know it now<\/p>\n\n\n\n In August 1860 Knowles was noted as one of the directors of the \u2018Mutual Permanent Mortgage, Land, Building and Investment Society\u2019, which had its eighth meeting that year. Charles was one of the auditors.[35]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In April 1861 Charles advertised for builders for \u2018a villa residence\u2019 on Brent Knoll.[36]<\/a> This building is yet to be identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though he was so busy, he still found time for other civic activities. In July 1861 Charles was chairman of the Volunteer Rifle Corps committee, with James Cook<\/a> (later Town Clerk) as his secretary.[37]<\/a> In that year\u2019s census Charles, aged 57 Knowles living in High Street \u2018architect and actuary of savings bank\u2019, while his wife Eliza, aged 38 was described as \u2018architect\u2019s wife\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowles surveying and drawing was not always conducted under the pleasant circumstances: in March 1862 Charles was called in to make a plan of Andersea Farm House, after the farmer, William Chard, murdered Parnell Howe, his servant.[38]<\/a> However, this seems to be the only time he was employed in such a case, at least as reported in the newspapers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In August 1863 Knowles advertised for builders for \u2018the erection of sundry Artificers\u2019 Work in alterations and additions at Gosford House, near Ottery\u2019.[39]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1863-4 Knowles oversaw the restoration of Holy Cross church in Middlezoy.[40]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In March 1865 Charles submitted plans for Northmoor Green School.[41]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In January 1864 work was underway on Knowles\u2019 plans for the town hall, with the building being done by Mr Shewbrooks of Taunton, who employed only two masons and two carpenters. In April Shewbrooks complained Knowles had miscalculated the dimensions of the walls and much more masonry was needed that was anticipated, which halted work for a while and drove up the cost. In May Shewbrooks walked away from the project and a new builder had to be taken on.[42]<\/a> In an account published in the newspapers Shewbrooks complained that during the work Knowles had ordered that the wall facing Clare Street be built in brick, not Wembdon sandstone as originally agreed. The council did not like this change and had the brick wall pulled down so the sandstone one could be built. Apparently Knowles made various un-planned for alterations while work was on going, and refused to put them in writing to be countersigned by the Town Clerk. The biggest problem was that Knowles in his plans had \u2018omitted the whole of the centring\u2019 which would require 200 cubic feet of additional Bath Stone. Knowles apparently admitted to the error. All the same, the council refused to amend the price they had agreed in the contract, and this prompted Shewbrooks to walk away. Work had been completed to roof level.[43]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In July 1865 the Town Hall opened. Thomas Searle had finished the building work. Ultimately the new hall had cost \u00a33000, could seat 1,100 people. The style was Venetian, with a mostly glass roof.[44]<\/a> Knowles had presumably kept to Venetian to match the earlier works on the High Street by Richard Carver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attention then turned to the old Grand Jury Room and Council Chamber facing High Street. There was need to repair the roof and modernise the whole. Knowles submitted plans, but the council considered much of the ornamentation, such as cornices and chandelier roses as expensive. It was not necessarily felt that the ornamentation was excessive, but that it did not serve an obvious purpose. Mr Nicholls suggested: \u2018In most places Town Halls had been looked upon as objects for ornamentation, or to help forward and direct taste in art and in science\u2019.[45]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In January 1867 Charles submitted plans for St. Mary’s Mount Street Infants School.[46]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In March 1867 Knowles advertised for a builder for a new church at Combwich.[47]<\/a> By July he had secured Abraham Squibbs of Bridgwater and the foundation stone was laid. The church would be in the Perpendicular Gothic style, made to accommodate 200 persons, with a tower about 60 feet tall, and cost \u00a32000.[48]<\/a> This was certainly a more mature design than his chapels at North Petherton some twenty years before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1867 the cemetery at Cannington was laid out and a lychgate built. The 2014 Pevsner describes this as \u2018wildly overdone… the arch with a giant traceried head like the Bridgwater church doorway. Brash enough to be Charles Knowles\u2019.[49]<\/a> Knowles certainly thought the St Mary\u2019s doorway was remarkable. In 1877 he remarked to the Somerset Archaeological Society that the band over north door of St Mary\u2019s \u2018was almost unique, and really about the only interesting part of the building\u2019. He went on to lament the loss of the squints, perhaps hinting his disapproval of Brakespear\u2019s restoration of the 1850s.[50]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2014 Pevsner also attributes Cannington Grange to Knowles, a red sandstone Jacobethan built for J.R. Poole.[51]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1867 Knowles purchased the old Poor House<\/a> in Taunton Road from Mr Brice, and had the main fa\u00e7ade pulled down. In its place he erected a series of villas, for which he employed James Kitch as builder.[52]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1867 Knowles helped extend to the east and north the Old Vicarage in Somerton.[53]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1868 Knowes designed and oversaw construction of Pitney House for Rev. L.S. Dudman. James Lenthall was plumber and glazier on the project.[54]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In April 1869 Charles advertised for a builder for additional buildings of the Rectory House at Halse, Somerset.[55]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1871 he designed a new vicarage house at Northover, Ilchester, and built by B. Gillett of Langport.[57]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The 1871 Census records their home at 46 High Street: Charles Knowles 61, \u2018architect and surveyor\u2019, Eliza, 48, his wife; Mary Knowles boarder, Hamilton Baker, 15 year old nephew and two servants. The census was taken in April. In December Mary died. Her memorial in the Wembdon Road Cemetery reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sacred to the Memory of Mary Anne Knowles who died 5th December 1871 aged 43 years.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n In 1872 Knowles extended Paulet House in Goathurst.[58]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In September 1873 Knowles presented plans to the Town Council for alterations to the market house, whereby a covered corn exchange 50 by 40 feet would be built in the middle of the existing market house. Knowles added elaborate Romanesque details. These were to evoke a style of architecture from when the town was first founded in 1200, and seen in the old Watergate of the Castle. In 1875 he was paid \u00a340 for his work, while \u00a3300 went to Mr Thomas Searle the builder.[59]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This was opened on 19 May 1875 and was \u2018ornamented with columns and semi circular arches, with panels over the doors containing emblematic sculpture: one of these is emblematic of Plenty, and the other consisting of the Borough Coat of Arms\u2019. [60]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In May 1874 rebuilding of the nave of Pitney church was begun, with Knowles being the architect, with Frederick Cox of Yeovil being the builder. The new nave was rebuilt on the original foundations, while the original hamstone windows and other dressings were preserved and reused. The new pitch pine roof incorporated the old medieval carved roof bosses. The Jacobean pulpit and reading desk were replaced. The church reopened in July 1875 and the work cost \u00a31300. The work was considered \u2018exceedingly well done\u2019.[61]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In October 1874 a cemetery in Somerton was opened, designed by Knowles and built by James Watts.[62]<\/a> Although the newspaper report mentions \u2018buildings\u2019, it seems there was no chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1876 Knowles was still working for the Bridgwater and North Somerset Bank for Savings.[63]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In September 1878 Knowles advertised that he had a plot of land in Old Taunton Road to let, possibly for use as a builder\u2019s yard \u2018or other business not offensive\u2019.[64]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In January 1887 Knowles advertised for builders for the construction of alterations and additions to the Duke of Wellington Inn (now the Blake Arms).[65]<\/a> This echoed some of the detailing he had used in the Market House. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the 1881 Census we see the High Street household for the last time: Charles Knowles, 71, architect and surveyor; Eliza, and Hamilton John Baker, their nephew, now described as \u2018architect\u2019s assistant\u2019. He had been present in 1871.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1882 Charles held over see the instillation of niches in the nave of St Mary\u2019s Church, which were to receive four statues of the apostles, donated by James Cook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In December 1884 Bridgwater Town Council paid Knowles \u00a31,170 as part payment for his home in High Street, \u2018purchase money of the premises now in process of conversion into Corporation offices, free reading room, etc\u2019.[66]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n In March 1884 Charles advertised to let \u2018a pleasure garden, containing lawn, fruit, bower, etc, on the Old Taunton Road\u2019. At the time he was living in a property called \u2018the Ferns\u2019.[67]<\/a> This was at the end of the row of villas he had converted from the old Poor House. The garden was possibly the one on the opposite side of the road from the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eliza Knowles died 26th November 1886 aged 65 years. She was buried with Mary Anne in the Wembdon Road Cemetery. This seems to have prompted Charles to finally leave Bridgwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charles Knowles died 15 March 1890 at Wrington, leaving an estate of \u00a3519 3s 9d. Walter Joseph Ruscombe Poole his solicitor and John Coombs Auctioneer, both of Bridgwater, were executors. It is not currently known where he is buried. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Plans of Churchill Parochial School undated DD\/EDS\/1\/40<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Deeds etc, of 16 George Street, Bridgwater (originally a cottage). 1828-1874<\/strong> A\/AFU\/4<\/strong> [1]<\/a> Sherborne Mercury, 23 August 1845<\/p>\n\n\n\n [2]<\/a> Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 5 November 1845; Sherborne Mercury, 15 June 1852; Bridgwater Mercury, 11 April 1860; Bridgwater Mercury, 18 April 1860<\/p>\n\n\n\n [3]<\/a> Julian Orbach and Nikolaus Pevsner, The Buildings of England: Somerset: South and West (Yale University Press, 2014), 199-200.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [4]<\/a> Sherborne Mercury, 12 February 1850<\/p>\n\n\n\n [5]<\/a> Somerset Heritage Centre DD\/ED\/1852\/186<\/p>\n\n\n\n [6]<\/a> Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 9 February 1853<\/p>\n\n\n\n [7]<\/a> Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 9 March 1853<\/p>\n\n\n\n [8]<\/a> Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 6 September 1854<\/p>\n\n\n\n [9]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 11 November 1857; Langport & Somerton Herald, 20 November 1858; Bridgwater Mercury, 12 May 1858; Bridgwater Mercury, 8 September 1858; Bridgwater Mercury, 4 May 1859; Bridgwater Mercury, 23 February 1859; Bridgwater Mercury, 21 December 1859; Bridgwater Mercury, 16 February 1859; Bridgwater Mercury, 8 August 1860; Bridgwater Mercury, 09 February 1860; Somerset County Gazette, 13 August 1864; Somerset County Gazette, 12 January 1867; Western Gazette, 9 May 1873; Western Gazette, 4 April 1873; Bridgwater Mercury, 5 April 1876.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [10]<\/a> Julian Orbach and Nikolaus Pevsner, The Buildings of England: Somerset: South and West (Yale University Press, 2014), 279.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [11]<\/a> Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 17 September 1856<\/p>\n\n\n\n [12]<\/a> Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 19 September 1855; Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 30 September 1857; Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 8 December 1858<\/p>\n\n\n\n [13]<\/a> Sherborne Mercury, 12 August 1856<\/p>\n\n\n\n [14]<\/a> Wells Journal, 12 April 1856<\/p>\n\n\n\n [15]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 3 February 1858<\/p>\n\n\n\n [16]<\/a> Somerset Heritage Centre DD\/EDS\/1\/44<\/p>\n\n\n\n [17]<\/a> Taunton Courier, 11 February 1857.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [18]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 15 December 1858<\/p>\n\n\n\n [19]<\/a> Bristol Mercury, 20 February 1858<\/p>\n\n\n\n [20]<\/a> Bristol Mirror, 18 September 1858<\/p>\n\n\n\n [21]<\/a> Somerset Heritage Centre DD\/EDS\/1\/23<\/p>\n\n\n\n [22]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 18 July 1860<\/p>\n\n\n\n [23]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 18 July 1860<\/p>\n\n\n\n [24]<\/a> Somerset Heritage Centre DD\/EDS\/1\/115<\/p>\n\n\n\n [25]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 28 July 1858<\/p>\n\n\n\n [26]<\/a> Bristol Mirror, 29 January 1859<\/p>\n\n\n\n [27]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 16 February 1859<\/p>\n\n\n\n [28]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 2 May 1860<\/p>\n\n\n\n [29]<\/a> Somerset Heritage Centre, A\/CMY\/417<\/p>\n\n\n\n [30]<\/a> Julian Orbach and Nikolaus Pevsner, The Buildings of England: Somerset: South and West (Yale University Press, 2014), 224.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [31]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 3 May 1860<\/p>\n\n\n\n [32]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 11 April 1860; Bridgwater Mercury, 18 April 1860<\/p>\n\n\n\n [33]<\/a> Bridgwater Mercury, 11 April 1860; Bridgwater Mercury, 18 April 1860<\/p>\n\n\n\n [34]<\/a> Somerset County Gazette, 29 June 1867<\/p>\n\n\n\n [35]<\/a> Western Daily Mercury, 29 August 1860<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bridgwaterheritage.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Chedzoy-Rectory-1024x573.jpg\")
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![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/bridgwaterheritage.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/61430b-West-St-Sch-Blake-Museum-WM-1536x863.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bridgwaterheritage.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Puriton-School-1024x671.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/5\/5e\/Church_of_the_Holy_Cross%2C_Middlezoy_-_geograph.org.uk_-_4990392.jpg\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/b\/b6\/Moorland_%2C_Northmoor_Green_Primary_School_-_geograph.org.uk_-_3937809.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bridgwaterheritage.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Town-Hall.jpg\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/wembdonroadcemetery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-04-165712.png\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/6\/68\/St_Peter%27s_Church%2C_Combwich_-_geograph.org.uk_-_5408591.jpg\")
David Martin<\/a>, Wikimedia Commons.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/26\/Entrance_gate%2C_Cannington_Cemetery_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1373414.jpg\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/bridgwaterheritage.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Google-Street-View.jpg\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/c\/c2\/Pitney_House_-_geograph.org.uk_-_4702594.jpg\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bridgwaterheritage.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Market-House.jpg\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.prezzo.co.uk\/media\/n2ooa5de\/img_0776.jpg?width=667&height=340&rnd=133337216013330000&width=768\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/0\/0e\/Church_of_St_John_the_Baptist%2C_Pitney_%28geograph_5243853%29.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bridgwaterheritage.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Blake-Arms-861x1024.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/wembdonroadcemetery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Statue.jpg\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/bridgwaterheritage.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-09-172413.png\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/wembdonroadcemetery.com\/archive\/285New.jpg\")
UNDATED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Charles Knowles of Bridgwater, architect, purchased the property in 1865 and mortgaged it in 1874 along with land in Rope Walk Field, Eastover, Bridgwater and a house known as the Judge’s House or the Court House [4\/5]. 1828-1874 (now telephone exchange)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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