The Lions on West Quay is one of Bridgwater’s finest pieces of architecture. The original core of the house was the large central block, along with the two small pavilions on either side. Three further wings were added in the subsequent decades.
This piece of land downriver from the Castle was called the Butts, either because it abutted the river, or because the town’s archery butts were here.
When Chandos was redeveloping the castle his principle contractor, Benjamin Holloway, built himself this fine house in the baroque style around 1725. It is called the Lions because of the lion above the front door; the two figures either side of the gate, often mistaken for lions are in fact British imitations of Chinese Foo Dogs.
You will note how the door surround is very similar to those of Castle Street and would have been from the same workshop. Note the elegant composition of the original building with its symmetrical wings as well as the patterned red and yellow brickwork.
It was used as a residence by various Mayors of Bridgwater and housed the Lions Club, which was founded by the prominent brick and tile manufacturers the Sully family.