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Home » A Horse for Bridgwater

A Horse for Bridgwater

Find out how this project came to life

The Sculpture Unveiled

Little Jessie is a life-size steel Gypsy Cob unveiled at Bridgwater’s St Matthew’s Fair as part of Jake Bowers’ “A Horse for Bridgwater” project. The sculpture was created by Romany artist Jake Bowers with help from local people and celebrates the town’s deep Romani and equine heritage. Named in memory of seven-year-old Jessie Smith, Little Jessie was unveiled on 24 September 2025 as the first installation on Bridgwater’s new Heritage Trail. The artwork is a heartfelt tribute that brings the community together while honouring stories often left out of local history.

Bringing the community together

Unveiled on a packed fair day on 24 September, Little Jessie drew a warm and curious crowd. Those who helped create the sculpture gathered alongside fairgoers and passers-by, sharing in a special moment that celebrated community, craftsmanship, and the story behind the horse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The project unveiling was also featured in a documentary exploring Gypsy, Traveller and Romani heritage. Created by an international team of filmmakers.

Project featured at approx 20 minute mark

A project by and for the community

A new project that celebrates Bridgwater’s rich history

This series of public events celebrates Bridgwater’s rich cultural heritage, and the town’s historic links with the Romani community.

About Jake Bower’s sculpture project

Jake has been creating a series of sculptures of horse sculptures across Britain celebrating the sites of ancient horse fairs. The project is funded by the Joseph Roundtree Charitable Trust.

 

A Rich History

 

 

 

Bridgwater’s historic fair, known today as St Matthew’s Fair, dates back almost 800 years to a medieval charter first recorded in 1249 and has been held on St Matthew’s Field for around 600 years, traditionally beginning on the last Wednesday in September and lasting four days. It began as an important livestock and goods fair where sheep, ponies and other produce were traded and over centuries became a vibrant mix of markets, rides and entertainment.

Now one of the largest travelling funfairs in the South West, it draws around 40,000 visitors each year and remains a highlight of the town’s calendar, blending tradition, commerce and community spirit.