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Rare chance to see historic Bridgwater tapestry

Rosee Woodlandand
Rachel Candlin,West of England
News imageBlake Museum A tapestry of two medieval men building a bridge. One has a hammer and the other a long pole. The design is simple with brown, black and grey colours with the words 'Building the Saxon wooden bridge' in red stitching. The background is white and there is the number 519 in the top left hand corner.Blake Museum
The Bridgwater Historical Tapestry was stitched 75 years ago by local pupils

A town's answer to the Bayeux Tapestry goes on display later as part of the national festival Heritage Open Days 2026.

The Bridgwater Historical Tapestry, which charts the story of the Somerset town from the Stone Age through to modern times, was stitched 75 years ago by local pupils.

It is only the third time the tapestry has been exhibited and it coincides with the opening of the Bayeux Tapestry this week at the British Museum in London.

Visitors can view the 32-metre long artefact at St Mary's Church from 10:00 to 15:00 BST and entry is free.

News imageBlake Museum The tapestry is laid out in an exhibition space with a small section shown in the image. In the foreground are two pictures of a brick wall and fortress being built by groups of men. There is a sign saying 'please do not touch' and a woman's hands can be seen at the top of the photograph leaning on the glass covered table. Blake Museum
The exhibition is only the third time the tapestry has gone on display

The original tapestry was designed and embroidered by girls who attended Westover Secondary Modern School in 1951 for the Festival of Britain.

In 1969, additional panels were added by pupils of Westover Secondary Mixed School to commemorate 500 years of the Mayoralty of Bridgwater.

While differing in scale and international profile to the Bayeux Tapestry, the curators of the Bridgwater tapestry said it was "a unique and invaluable record of the town's heritage, community spirit and artistic achievement".

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A spokesperson for the Blake Museum, which owns and cares for the tapestry, said it was a testament to the creativity of the young people who created it.

"Together their work has created an extraordinary visual story of Bridgwater's history that continues to inspire more than 75 years later," they said.

"This rare exhibition offers a unique opportunity to celebrate both the heritage captured within the tapestry and the remarkable legacy of the students who brought it to life."

News imageBlake Museum A section of the tapestry showing a map. There is the year number 1380 in the top left hand corner and several roads surrounding the River Parrett and the Castle. The stitching is mainly black with a white backgroundBlake Museum
Visitors can view up close the intricate craftsmanship of the embroidered scenes

The display forms part of the national Heritage Open Days programme, which celebrates England's history and culture by opening up local heritage sites to the public.

Other events in Bridgwater include:

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