Strange Spelling

[Patsy33]

Why is there no e after the g in Bridgwater? Can anyone enlighten me please? I'm particularly interested as I was born there.

[Mamyalynne]

//t is thought that the town was originally called Brigg, meaning quay. It has been argued that the name may instead come from the Old English brycg (gang plank) or Old Norse bryggja (quay), though this idea has been opposed on etymological grounds.[2] In the Domesday Book the town is listed as Brugie, while Brugia was also used. After the Norman invasion the land was given to Walter of Douai,[3] hence becoming known variously as Burgh-Walter, Brugg-Walter and Brigg-Walter, eventually corrupted to Bridgwater. An alternative version is that it derives from "Bridge of Walter" (i.e. Walter's Bridge).[4][5]
History[edi//t]

[Mamyalynne]

If it did derive from 'Brigg' that would explain why no 'E' - however place names alter through history both in spelling and pronunciation.

[Jackdaw33]

Probably an alternative spelling which has come into common use. Compare with judgement and judgment.

[-SharonA-]

I once live on Bridgewater Road and it had an E!!!

[jno]

different bridge over different water maybe, Sharon?

[hc4361]

Bridgnorth in Shropshire has no 'e' either

[Jackdaw33]

Also Bridgend in Wales, aka Pen Y Bont ar Ogwr, which is a bit of a mouthful.

[Captain2]

Sharon, yours will be named after the 3rd Duke of Brdgewater - just like the canal.

[Tilly2]

I, I, Capt!

[Cloverjo]

i was born there too, Patsy! Do you still live near there?
Sorry I can't answer your question. I think Mamya has answered it, though.

[Patsy33]

Thank you Mamyalynne, very informative. Thanks to all. It's always puzzled me. Don't live there Cloverjo, only born there. Live in Gloucestershire now.

[Patsy33]

Thank you Mamyalynne, very informative. Thanks to all. It's always puzzled me. Don't live there Cloverjo, only born there. Live in Gloucestershire now.

[hc4361]

I think these places were named before spelling became standardised and the names have just stuck.

[Jackdaw33]

Probably right, hc. Always amuses me to see actors etc pronounce Shakespearean words as though they were phonetic.