Blake Statue

The Blake Statue, located in Bridgwater, was created in 1898 by D W Pomeroy. This statue depicts Admiral Blake in a vigorous, more-than-lifesize representation, dressed in 17th-century costume. Originally positioned in front of the Corn Exchange, it has been moved to face down Cornhill, with its right arm outstretched, pointing toward Christ Church Unitarian Chapel on Dampiet Street. The statue stands on a square base above a corniced granite plinth, which features recessed square panels on each side. The rear and sides of the statue are adorned with lively, finely-detailed bronze low-relief scenes that illustrate the Admiral's victories at sea and the return of his body to Plymouth Sound in 1657. An inscription on the front states, "Robert Blake born in this town 1598 died at sea 1657." The base is supported by granite steps that rise to a 20th-century circular brick dais.