Gypsy Cob Horse sculpture for Bridgwater - host to annual Bridgewater Fair
Bridgewater welcomes its sculpture of a Gypsy Cob, created by Romany blacksmith/artist Jake Bowers, with the help of local people.
‘Horse for Bridgwater’ is a life-size steel representation of a ‘Gypsy Cob’ horse forged by Romany artist Jake Bowers with the help of local people. It is one of twelve horses located in different English towns and was installed for the opening of the Bridgwater St Matthews Fair on 24th September 2025.
Bridgwater has welcomed a striking new addition with the unveiling of ‘Little Jessie: A Horse for Bridgwater’ – a life-size steel sculpture of a Gypsy Cob horse created by Romani artist Jake Bowers, in collaboration with local people.
Installed on Wednesday 24 September 2025 to mark the opening of the historic St Matthews Fair, the sculpture celebrates the deep connections between Bridgwater’s heritage and the role of horses in the town’s history.
The artwork is part of a national series of twelve horse sculptures placed in towns across England, each symbolising the bond between communities and their equine past.
Bridgwater’s horse has been named Little Jessie in memory of seven-year-old Jessie Smith, who tragically died in a caravan accident, ensuring his story lives on as part of the town’s cultural landscape.
Artist Jake Bowers worked closely with the community to create a piece that honours the shared history between Romani culture and towns like Bridgwater. His approach ensured the sculpture would be both meaningful and lasting, reflecting the town’s identity and its connection to equine heritage.
Phil Shepherd, Community Engagement Ambassador at Somerset Film and for Seed Sedgemoor CPP, said,
‘Seed is delighted to support “A Horse for Little Jessie’, a powerful reminder of the invaluable contribution Romani people have made to Somerset’s economy and culture over many generations.”
Cllr Kathy Pearce, Mayor of Bridgwater who unveiled the new sculpture said
“The fair is an important marker in Bridgwater’s calendar. Being born in Bridgwater and having lived in the town or nearby all my life, I don’t think I’ve missed a single one!
It’s easy to forget its Romani heritage and its historical trading origins, so that makes the installation of Little Jessie, along with the interpretation board especially poignant.”
’The Horse’ represents the key role horses have played in the history of the Fair, which has run on this site for an unbroken 600 years, including throughout the conflicts of the two world wars.
St Matthew’s Fair, held annually at the end of September, is first recorded in 1249. This was for traders from the region to come and sell their livestock and wares. Regular markets were also held in the town, with sheep sold in West Street, cows and pigs in Penel Orlieu, fish in High Street, grain in Cornhill, cheese in St Mary Street and horses in Monmouth Street.
Bridgwater Fair remains a vibrant tradition. It features fairground rides run by the Showmen’s Guild and the lively West Street Market, celebrating centuries of tradition, trade, and community spirit.
‘Little Jessie’ is the first installation of Bridgwater’s new Heritage Trail, a legacy project supported by Bridgwater Town Deal funding. The trail aims to bring history to life and animate the town centre through art and storytelling, creating an engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.
The unveiling of ‘Little Jessie’ adds a powerful new dimension to the town’s identity, reminding all who visit of the traditions and lives woven into the fabric of Bridgwater’s past and present.
Bridgewater Town Council press release/TT News
(Images courtesy of Seed Sedgemoor CPP. Top photograph caption: Romany campaigner Maggie Smith-Bendell looks on as Jake Bowers works on the installation of Little Jessie)