Clarence Walter Bridge was born at West Maitland, NSW, on 20 July 1864, son of John Bridge and his wife Amelia, née McIntyre. In 1887, he married Helen McMahon at Sydney and had four sons and five daughters. He died on 7 August 1924.
Clarence Bridge was connected with the wool trade as an auctioneer, manager and appraiser, under a British Government Scheme. Later he became a wool-valuer and auctioneer for the Australian Mercantile London Finance Company. His son Clarence Walter, born at St Leonards in 1890, served as a Commander with the Royal Australian Navy in World War II.
Bridge was Alderman for Denison Ward, 1 December 1915 to 1 December 1918 and 1 December 1921 to 7 August 1924. He was a member of the Finance Committee, 1916-18 and 1922-24, the Health and By-Laws Committee, 1916-18, and the Works Committee, 1922-24. He was a supporter of the Citizens Reform Party.