In 1715 one of the Bridgwater seats was held by George Dodington, whose family estate was near the borough, where he had the government interest, derived from the customs and excise officers at the port. Both interests were inherited by his nephew, Bubb Dodington, who shared the representation with local Tory country gentlemen till 1741.

At the general election of 1741, when Dodington had gone over to the Opposition, the ministerial candidate was Vere Poulett, on whose behalf Walpole wrote to a Somerset landowner, Sir William Pynsent:

You may be surprised at receiving a letter from a perfect stranger, but ... I am informed you have a very considerable interest at Bridgwater and as among the candidates for the ensuing election Mr. Poulett has most sincerely my best wishes, and Mr. Dodington the contrary, I shall be much obliged to you if you will dispose your interest at Bridgwater in such a manner as may most contribute to the success of the former and the disappointment of the latter. I never ask favours, but with a design to acknowledge them, in the best manner I am able, and if you will lay this obligation upon me you shall find I am a grateful man.2

In spite of Walpole’s efforts, Dodington secured his return at the expense of Sir Charles Wyndham, the other opposition candidate, by coming to an agreement with Poulett, whereby he obtained the official vote.3 Thenceforth he shared the borough with the Pouletts till 1753 when, owing to family divisions, they did not put up a candidate, leaving the vacancy to be filled by a local man, Robert Balch, put up by the corporation.4