{{Short description|County town of Somerset, England}}{{About|the town in Somerset|the city in Massachusetts|Taunton, Massachusetts|other uses}}
{{Good article}} {{Use British English|date=June 2018}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}} {{Infobox UK place | static_image_name = <!-- images and maps -----------> {{multiple image | border = infobox | perrow = 1/2/2/2/2 | total_width = 250 | image1 = St. Mary's, Taunton - geograph.org.uk - 1217534.jpg | image2 = The Old Grammar School, Corporation Street, Taunton - geograph.org.uk - 1235403.jpg | image3 = Taunton, The Crescent - geograph.org.uk - 181181.jpg | image4 = Vivary fountain 3-2793.jpg | image5 = County Hall, Taunton (geograph 4248868).jpg | footer = From the top to bottom-right, view of Taunton with the Minster on the right, Municipal Buildings, The Crescent, Vivary Park, Shire Hall}} | static_image_alt = | static_image_caption = | country = England | coordinates = {{Coord|51.019|-3.100|type:town(60,000)_region:GB-SOM|display=inline,title}} | official_name = Taunton | population = 61,665 | population_ref = (Built-up area, 2021)<ref name=bua>{{cite web |title=Towns and cities, characteristics of built-up areas, England and Wales: Census 2021 |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/townsandcitiescharacteristicsofbuiltupareasenglandandwales/census2021 |website=Census 2021 |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=17 October 2025}}</ref> | civil_parish = Taunton | unitary_england = Somerset Council | lieutenancy_england = Somerset | region = South West England | constituency_westminster = Taunton and Wellington | post_town = TAUNTON | postcode_district = TA1, TA2, TA3 | postcode_area = TA | dial_code = 01823 | os_grid_reference = ST228250 | website = | type = Town }}
'''Taunton''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|ɔː|n|t|ən}} {{respell|TAWN|tən}}) is the county town of Somerset, England. It is a market town and has a minster church. Its thousand-year history includes a 10th-century monastic foundation, owned by the Bishops of Winchester, which was rebuilt as Taunton Castle by the Normans in the 12th century. Parts of the inner ward house were turned into the Museum of Somerset and Somerset Military Museum. For the Second Cornish uprising of 1497, Perkin Warbeck brought an army of 6,000; most surrendered to Henry VII on 4 October 1497.<ref name="bush"/><ref name=":0"/> On 20 June 1685, the Duke of Monmouth crowned himself King of England in Taunton in the failed Monmouth Rebellion. Judge Jeffreys led the Bloody Assizes in the Castle's Great Hall.<ref name="britex"/>
The Grand Western Canal reached Taunton in 1839 and the Bristol and Exeter Railway in 1842. Today it hosts Musgrove Park Hospital, Somerset County Cricket Club, is the base of 40 Commando, Royal Marines, and is home to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office on Admiralty Way.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Contact Us |url=http://www.ukho.gov.uk/AboutUs/Pages/ContactUs.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414215013/http://www.ukho.gov.uk/AboutUs/Pages/ContactUs.aspx |archive-date=14 April 2012 |access-date=25 April 2012 |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom}}</ref> The popular Taunton Flower Show has been held in Vivary Park since 1866, and on 13 March 2022, St Mary Magdalene parish church was elevated to the status of Taunton Minster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bath and Wells Diocese {{!}} Taunton has a Minster |url=https://www.bathandwells.org.uk/news/taunton-has-a-minster.php |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=www.bathandwells.org.uk}}</ref> At the 2021 census the Taunton built-up area as defined by the Office for National Statistics had a population of 61,665.
==History== thumb|left|upright|Taunton Cross c. 1770 The town name derives from "Town on the River Tone" or Tone Town.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Local Etymology: A Derivative Dictionary of Geographical Names |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_I2BulY4WvsYC |last=Charnock |first=Richard Stephen |year=1859 |publisher=Houlston and Wright|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_I2BulY4WvsYC/page/n276 266]}}</ref><ref name="bush">{{Cite book |last=Bush |first=Robin |author-link=Robin Bush (historian) |title=Somerset: The Complete Guide |publisher=Dovecote Press |year=1994 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/somersetcomplete0000bush/page/202 202–206] |isbn=1-874336-26-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/somersetcomplete0000bush/page/202}}</ref> Cambria Farm, which now hosts a park and ride close to the M5 motorway Junction 25, was the site of Bronze and Iron Age settlement and a Roman farm.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/28214 |title=Excavation (2008–9), Cambria Farm, Taunton |work=Somerset Historic Environment Record |publisher=Somerset County Council |access-date=9 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003101534/http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/28214 |archive-date= 3 October 2016}}</ref> There was a Romano-British village near the suburb of ''Holway''.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The History of Taunton, in the County of Somerset |url=https://archive.org/details/historytauntoni01toulgoog |last1=Toulmin |first1=Joshua |author-link=Joshua Toulmin |author-link2=James Savage (antiquary) |last2=Savage |first2=James |year=1822 |publisher=J. Poole |page=[https://archive.org/details/historytauntoni01toulgoog/page/n592 558]}}</ref> Taunton was important in Anglo-Saxon times<ref name="briefhist">{{Cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.localhistories.org/taunton.html |title=A brief history of Taunton |access-date=19 January 2008 |encyclopedia=World History Encyclopedia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217234129/http://www.localhistories.org/taunton.html |archive-date=17 December 2007}}</ref> as a burh with a mint.<ref name="bush"/> King Ine of Wessex threw up an earthen castle about 700, but it was levelled in 722 by his queen, Æthelburg of Wessex, to prevent seizure by rebels.<ref name="bush"/>
A monastery was founded before 904.<ref name="britannia">{{Cite web |url=http://www.britannia.com/history/somerset/castles/tauntoncast.html |title=History of Taunton Castle in Somerset By Charles Oman |access-date=21 November 2007 |work=Britannia castles |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531115627/http://www.britannia.com/history/somerset/castles/tauntoncast.html |archive-date=31 May 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The bishops of Winchester owned the manor, and obtained the first charter for their "men of Taunton" from King Edward in 904, freeing them from all royal and county tribute. Some time before Domesday, Taunton became a borough with privileges and a population of some 1,500,<ref name="briefhist"/> including 64 burgesses<ref name="bush"/> governed by a portreeve appointed by the bishops. Somerton took over from Ilchester as county town in the late 13th century,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/downloads/EUS_SomertonText.pdf |title=Somerton by Miranda Richardson |access-date=7 January 2008 |work=Somerset Urban Archaeological Survey |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717063434/http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/downloads/EUS_SomertonText.pdf |archive-date=17 July 2011}}</ref> but declined; the county-town status passed to Taunton about 1366.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/downloads/EUS_SomertonText.pdf |title=A town plan for Somerton |access-date=7 January 2008 |work=South Somerset Council |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717063434/http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/downloads/EUS_SomertonText.pdf |archive-date=17 July 2011}}</ref> Between 1209 and 1311 the Bishop of Winchester's manor of Taunton expanded two-and-a-half times.<ref name="havinden">{{Cite book |last=Havinden |first=Michael |title=The Somerset Landscape |publisher=Hodder and Stoughton |location=London |series=The making of the English landscape |page=97 |isbn=0-340-20116-9 |year=1981}}</ref> The parishes of Staplegrove, Wilton, and Taunton were part of Taunton Deane hundred.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Somerset Hundreds |url=http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Miscellaneous/ |publisher=GENUKI |access-date=21 October 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119134349/http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Miscellaneous/ |archive-date=19 January 2012}}</ref>
In 1451, during the Wars of the Roses, Taunton saw a skirmish between the Earl of Devon, and Baron Bonville.<ref name="bush"/> Queen Margaret and her troops passed through in 1471 to defeat at the Battle of Tewkesbury.<ref name="bush"/> In the Second Cornish uprising of 1497 most Cornish gentry supported Perkin Warbeck's cause and on 17 September a Cornish army some 6,000 strong entered Exeter before advancing on Taunton.<ref name="bush"/><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UfCvxdhNLHIC&q=pretender+warbeck+cornish&pg=PA111 |title=Philip Payton (1996) ''Cornwall'', Fowey: Alexander Associates |access-date=25 April 2012 |isbn=978-1-904880-05-9 |year=2004 |last1=Payton |first1=Philip |publisher=Cornwall Editions Limited |archive-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023315/https://books.google.com/books?id=UfCvxdhNLHIC&q=pretender+warbeck+cornish&pg=PA111 |url-status=live}}</ref> Henry VII sent his chief general - Giles, Lord Daubeney - to attack the Cornish. When Warbeck heard that the King's scouts were at Glastonbury he panicked and deserted his army. On 4 October 1497, Henry VII reached Taunton, where he received the surrender of the remaining Cornish army. Ringleaders were executed and others fined a total of £13,000.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/H/history/n-s/perkin.html |title=Channel 4 – Perkin Warbeck |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218180309/https://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/H/history/n-s/perkin.html |archive-date=18 December 2007}}</ref> thumb|left|alt=A stone bridge with three arches|''Taunton from the Canal'', watercolour on paper by Harry Frier in 1899, showing the bridge over the River Tone Taunton Castle changed hands several times in the Civil War of 1642–1645, as did the town.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tauntontowncentre.co.uk/about_taunton_history.htm |title=Taunton's History |access-date=21 November 2007 |work=Taunton Town Centre! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603195008/http://www.tauntontowncentre.co.uk/about_taunton_history.htm |archive-date=3 June 2007}}</ref> During the Siege of Taunton it was defended by Robert Blake from July 1644 to July 1645, and suffered destruction of many medieval and Tudor buildings.<ref name="bush"/> On 20 June 1685, the Duke of Monmouth crowned himself King of England at Taunton during the Monmouth Rebellion. In the autumn of that year Judge Jeffreys lived in the town during the Bloody Assizes that followed the Battle of Sedgemoor.<ref name="britex">{{Cite web |url=http://www.britainexpress.com/History/battles/sedgemoor.htm |title=The battle of Sedgemoor |access-date=21 November 2007 |work=Britain Express |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402120707/http://www.britainexpress.com/History/battles/sedgemoor.htm |archive-date= 2 April 2008}}</ref>
alt=An old map showing the main roads and the river in the town.|thumb|A road map of Taunton in 1948
The medieval fairs and markets (a weekly market remains) were celebrated for the sale of woollen cloth called "Tauntons" made in the town. On the decline of the woollen industry in the west of England, silk-weaving was introduced at the end of the 18th century.<ref>''From the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica''</ref>
In 1839 the Grand Western Canal reached Taunton, aiding southward trade,<ref name=harris>Helen Harris (1996) ''The Grand Western Canal'', Devon Books, {{ISBN|0-86114-901-7}}</ref> which was enhanced by the arrival of the railway in 1842.<ref name="bush"/>
A permanent military presence came to Jellalabad Barracks in 1881.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/46243 |title=The Keep, Jellalabad Barracks, Mount Street, Taunton |publisher=Somerset County Council |access-date=9 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003095229/http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/46243 |archive-date=3 October 2016}}</ref>
In the Second World War, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal formed part of the Taunton Stop Line, set to curb any advance of a German invasion. Pillboxes can still be seen along its length.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pillboxes-somerset.com/other_defences.htm |title=Other Defences |work=Somerset Pillboxes |access-date=11 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820220651/http://www.pillboxes-somerset.com/other_defences.htm |archive-date=20 August 2008}}</ref>
A fire aboard a {{stnlnk|Penzance}} to London sleeping car train approaching Taunton in 1978 killed 12 passengers and injured 15 others.<ref>{{cite news| last = BBC News| title = On This Day: Eleven die in sleeper train inferno| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/6/newsid_2495000/2495703.stm| access-date = 28 July 2007 | date=6 July 1978}}</ref>
===Regeneration=== thumb|Tangier Way bridge under construction in 2011 Taunton was rated "strategically important" in the government's Regional Spatial Strategy, allowing Somerset County Council to receive funding for large-scale regeneration projects.<ref name=MSBC>{{Cite web |title=Major Scheme Business Case |url=http://www.somerset.gov.uk/irj/go/km/docs/CouncilDocuments/SCC/Documents/Environment/Transport%20Development/Taunton%20Third%20Way/MSBC/MSBC_Main_Document.pdf |publisher=Atkins |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324083654/http://www.somerset.gov.uk/irj/go/km/docs/CouncilDocuments/SCC/Documents/Environment/Transport%20Development/Taunton%20Third%20Way/MSBC/MSBC_Main_Document.pdf |archive-date=24 March 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2006, the council revealed plans dubbed "Project Taunton". This would see regeneration of the areas of Firepool, Tangier, the retail town-centre, the cultural quarter, and the River Tone, to sustain Taunton as a business hub in the South West.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Project Taunton |url=http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/ |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405083858/http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/ |archive-date= 5 April 2011}}</ref>
The Firepool area, just north of the town centre by the main railway station, includes vacant or undeveloped land. The council is promoting sustainable, high-quality, employment-led mixed-use development to attract 3,000 new jobs and 500 new homes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Project Taunton – Firepool |url=http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/firepool.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313220738/http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/firepool.html |archive-date=13 March 2011 |df=dmy-all |access-date=26 March 2011}}</ref> This area was the cattle market until in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2008/01/17/last_taunton_market_feature.shtml |title=Somerset – Places – Celebrating the historical Taunton Market |publisher=BBC |date=17 January 2008 |access-date=25 November 2009}}</ref> A large indoor shopping centre to the east of the Parade covers a site that was once a pig market. Although its official name is now Orchard, and before that the Old Market Centre, locals still call it the Pig Market; one existed there from 1614 to 1882.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tauntontowncentre.co.uk/Entertainment.htm |title=Taunton Heritage Trail |publisher=Taunton Town Centre |access-date=9 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608123737/http://www.tauntontowncentre.co.uk/Entertainment.htm |archive-date=8 June 2008}}</ref>
In Tangier, a brownfield area between Bridgwater and Taunton College and the bus station, the project proposed to build small offices and more riverside housing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Project Taunton – Tangier |url=http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/tangier.html |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628013853/http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/tangier.html |archive-date=28 June 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The "Cultural Quarter" is the area along the river between Firepool and Tangier.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Project Taunton |url=http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/ |publisher=Project Taunton |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405083858/http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/ |archive-date= 5 April 2011}}</ref> The plans are to extend riverside retail and attract smaller, boutique businesses such as those found at Riverside.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Project Taunton – Cultural Quarter |url=http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/cultural-quarter.html |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224200818/http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/cultural-quarter.html |archive-date=24 February 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Plans for the town centre include more pedestrianisation and greater sizes and numbers of retail units.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Project Taunton – Town Centre |url=http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/town-centre-retail.html |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126060253/http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/town-centre-retail.html |archive-date=26 January 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Several sites along the River Tone are set for renovation. Firepool Weir lock, long silted up, was to be dredged in 2011<ref name=tone>{{Cite web |title=Project Taunton – River Tone |url=http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/river-tone.html |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412124634/http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/regeneration-areas/river-tone.html |archive-date=12 April 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> to allow boats to pass from the navigable section of the Tone through Taunton to the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal. Goodland Gardens received a makeover and a new café, The Shed, opened. Projects to develop Somerset Square (a paved area next to the Brewhouse Theatre) and Longrun Meadow (a country park near Bridgwater & Taunton College) have been put forward.<ref name="tone"/>
Traffic congestion was identified as an obstacle to further economic growth.<ref name="MSBC"/> Part of the strategy was a new road infrastructure consisting of a £7.5 million link road to ease traffic in the town centre (Taunton's "Third Way"), completed in 2011,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Somerset County Council: Taunton's Third Way |url=http://www.somerset.gov.uk/irj/public/council/initiatives/initiative?rid=/guid/50983ec3-417f-2c10-fbb9-a0c88230365e |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324083751/http://www.somerset.gov.uk/irj/public/council/initiatives/initiative?rid=%2Fguid%2F50983ec3-417f-2c10-fbb9-a0c88230365e |archive-date=24 March 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> and a Northern Inner Distributor Road linking Staplegrove Road, the station and Priory Avenue at a planned cost of £21 million, opened in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taunton Deane Borough Council: Northern inner Distributor Road |url=http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/council/initiatives/initiative?rid=/guid/407d5c76-467f-2c10-6185-d7658a32e3e2 |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927011123/http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/council/initiatives/initiative?rid=%2Fguid%2F407d5c76-467f-2c10-6185-d7658a32e3e2 |archive-date=27 September 2011}}</ref>
====2011 M5 crash==== {{Main|2011 M5 motorway crash}}
A major road accident occurred on the evening of 4 November 2011 near junction 25 of the M5 motorway on the north-eastern edge of Taunton at West Monkton. 34 vehicles were involved, 7 people were killed and a further 51 injured.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Carroll |first=Lisa |title=M5 Crash: Latest Updates: Live |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/nov/05/m5-crash-latest-updates-live?intcmp=239 |access-date=5 November 2011 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=5 November 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114043603/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/nov/05/m5-crash-latest-updates-live?intcmp=239 |archive-date=14 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-15606278 |title=Seven confirmed dead in M5 accident in Somerset |work=BBC News |date=5 November 2011 |access-date=6 November 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105233631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-15606278 |archive-date=5 November 2011}}</ref>
==Governance== thumb|Deane House, housing offices of both Taunton Town Council and Somerset Council There are two tiers of local government covering Taunton, at parish (town) and unitary authority level: Taunton Town Council and Somerset Council. The town council is based at Deane House on Belvedere Road.<ref>{{cite web |title=Book our committee room |url=https://www.taunton-tc.gov.uk/book-our-committee-room/ |website=Taunton Town Council |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref> Somerset Council is also based in the town, with offices at both County Hall on The Crescent and in Deane House.<ref>{{cite web |title=Find us |url=https://www.somerset.gov.uk/contact-us/find-us/ |website=Somerset Council |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Phil |title=County Hall reception area closing in Somerset Council cuts |url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23958201.county-hall-reception-area-closing-somerset-council-cuts/ |access-date=30 April 2026 |work=Somerset County Gazette |date=30 November 2023}}</ref> [[File:County Hall, Taunton.jpg|alt=Red brick building with a curved façade seen across roads.|thumb|County Hall, The Crescent]]
For national elections, the town forms part of the Taunton and Wellington constituency.<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Maps |url=https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/election-maps/gb/index.html |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref>
===Administrative history=== There were two ancient parishes with their parish churches in the town: St Mary Magdalen and St James. From at least the time of King Stephen (reigned 1135–1154), Taunton was described as a borough. It was a seigneurial borough controlled by the Bishops of Winchester in their capacity as lord of the manor rather than having a borough corporation. From 1307 onwards the borough became the Taunton parliamentary borough (constituency), electing two Members of Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taunton 1386–1421 |url=https://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1386-1421/constituencies/taunton |website=The History of Parliament |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref>
The borough was granted a municipal charter in 1627, establishing a corporation led by a mayor.<ref>{{cite web |title=A History of Taunton |url=https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-taunton/ |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref> The borough boundaries only covered part of the parish of St Mary Magdalen. The borough therefore excluded the parts of the town in the parish of St James and also excluded areas where the town was also growing into the neighbouring parishes of Bishop's Hull and Wilton. The borough corporation ceased operating in 1792, after which Taunton remained a parliamentary borough but was no longer a borough for municipal purposes. The boundaries of the parliamentary borough were significantly enlarged in 1832 to cover the built-up area as it then was, covering parts of each of the four parishes of St Mary Magdalen, St James, Bishop's Hull, and Wilton.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taunton 1820–1832 |url=https://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-1832/constituencies/taunton |website=History of Parliament |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Parliamentary Boundaries Act |date=1832 |page=358 |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Statutes_of_the_United_Kingdom_of_Gr/Uq0uAAAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA358&printsec=frontcover |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref>
In 1849, the parliamentary borough was made a local board district, with an elected local board established to provide public health and local government services to the town.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lawes |first1=Edward |title=The Act for Promoting the Public Health, with notes |date=1851 |publisher=Shaw and Sons |location=London |pages=268–269 |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Act_for_promoting_the_Public_Health/MRJXAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA262&printsec=frontcover |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref> The town was made a municipal borough in 1877, re-establishing a corporation to run the town.<ref>{{cite book |title=Kelly's Directory of Somerset |date=1914 |page=441 |url=https://leicester.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16445coll4/id/110339/rec/4 |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref>
[[File:The Old Grammar School, Corporation Street, Taunton - geograph.org.uk - 1235403.jpg|thumb|The former Municipal Buildings, Corporation Street]] In 1887, the corporation took over the former Taunton Grammar School, parts of which date back to around 1480, to serve as its meeting place and offices, renaming it the Municipal Buildings.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Municipal Building (East End) Municipal Buildings (West End) (Incorporating the Old Grammar School)|num=1060041|grade=II*|access-date=3 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tauntontowncentre.co.uk/about_taunton_municipal.htm|title=Municipal History|publisher=Taunton Town Centre|access-date=28 October 2008|archive-date=3 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103212434/http://www.tauntontowncentre.co.uk/about_taunton_municipal.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> As the town grew, the borough boundaries were occasionally expanded, with boundary changes in 1887, 1895, 1921, 1932, 1958, and 1966. As part of the 1921 changes, the civil parishes within the borough were united into a single parish of Taunton matching the borough.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Youngs |first1=Frederic |title=Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England: Volume I, Southern England |date=1979 |publisher=Royal Historical Society |location=London |isbn=0901050679 |page=439}}</ref>
The borough of Taunton was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, with its area becoming part of the new Taunton Deane district. No successor parish was created for the former borough, and so it became unparished.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972|year=1972|number=2039|accessdate=21 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Names) Order 1973|year=1973|number=551|accessdate=3 March 2023}}</ref> Taunton Deane Borough Council based itself at the Municipal Buildings until 1987, when it moved to new offices at Deane House.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Paul |title=Princess Margaret praises volunteers during Taunton visit |url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/17536396.royals-somerset-princess-margaret-praises-volunteers-taunton-visit/ |access-date=3 May 2026 |work=Somerset County Gazette |date=31 March 2019}}</ref>
Taunton Deane was abolished in 2019, becoming part of the short-lived district of Somerset West and Taunton, which was in turn abolished four years later in 2023. Somerset County Council then took over district-level functions across its area, making it a unitary authority, and was renamed Somerset Council.<ref name="structural">{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Somerset (Structural Changes) Order 2022|year=2022|number=329|article=3|access-date=20 July 2024}}</ref> As part of the 2023 reorganisation, a new civil parish of Taunton was created covering the unparished area which corresponded to the pre-1974 borough plus areas from a number of adjoining parishes, with the parishes of Comeytrowe and Staplegrove both being abolished. The new parish council took the name Taunton Town Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.somerset.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/community-governance-reviews/?district=Somerset+West+and+Taunton|title=Community Governance Reviews|publisher=Somerset Council|accessdate=6 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.somerset.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/taunton-parish-council/|title=Taunton Parish Council|publisher=Somerset Council|accessdate=6 May 2023}}</ref>
==Geography== Taunton lies on the River Tone between the Quantock, Blackdown, and Brendon hills. The area is known as the Vale of Taunton. It is surrounded by many other large towns and cities seen on this directional compass:
{{Geographic location |title = '''Destinations from Taunton''' |Northwest = Watchet, Minehead |North = Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare, '''Cardiff''' |Northeast = Glastonbury, Wells, '''Bath''', '''Bristol''' |West = Wiveliscombe, Dulverton, Barnstaple |Centre = Taunton |East = Langport, Somerton, Yeovil |Southwest = Wellington, Tiverton, '''Exeter''', '''Plymouth''' |South = Honiton |Southeast = Ilminster, Chard, Crewkerne, Weymouth }}
Taunton is {{convert|38|mi|km}} south-west of Bristol, {{convert|28|mi|km}} north-east of Exeter, {{convert|63|mi|km}} north-east of Plymouth and {{convert|40|mi|km}} north-west of Weymouth.
===Geology=== The Taunton area has Permian red sandstones and breccia outcrop 295{{ndash}}250{{nbsp}}million years old. Rocks of Triassic age (248{{ndash}}204{{nbsp}}million years ago) underlie much of Somerset's moors and levels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Somerset |work=English Nature, Special Sites, Somerset Geology |url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/special/geological/sites/area_ID30.asp |access-date=30 October 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610043102/http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/geological/sites/area_ID30.asp |archive-date=10 June 2007}}</ref>
===Nature reserves=== The several local nature reserves in and around Taunton are protected under section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. South Taunton Streams is an urban wetland.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1082977 |title=South Taunton Streams |work=Local Nature Reserves |publisher=English Nature |access-date=25 February 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724020650/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1082977 |archive-date=24 July 2011}}</ref> The northern suburbs include the Children's Wood riverside reserve, a movement corridor for animals such as otters along the banks of the Tone. Birds include the kingfisher, dipper, grey wagtail, mute swan, grey heron, and reed warbler; butterflies include the small and large skipper, marbled white, small heath, and small copper - along with dragonflies and damselflies.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1082967 |title=Children's Wood/Riverside |work=Local Nature Reserves |publisher=English Nature |access-date=25 February 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724020701/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1082967 |archive-date=24 July 2011}}</ref>
Weirfield Riverside, a nature reserve along the River Tone, has alder and willow woodland, bramble, scrub, and rough grassland. The wetter, flood-prone areas feature hemlock water-dropwort and yellow flag.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Weirfield Riverside |url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=906 |publisher=Natural England |access-date=26 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080041/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=906 |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> Silk Mills Park and Ride offer landscaping and ponds in three areas by the Tone. The woodland and grassland support aquatic and marginal vegetation,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Silk Mills Park and Ride |url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1676 |publisher=Natural England |access-date=25 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925114029/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1676 |archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> with various birds, bats, reptiles, and invertebrates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Silk Mills Park and Ride Local Nature Reserve |url=http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/go/km/docs/CouncilDocuments/TDBC/Documents/Heritage%20and%20Landscape/11127%20Silk%20Mills%20Local%20nature%20reserve%20Nov%202010.pdf |publisher=Taunton Deane Borough Council |access-date=25 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924113505/http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/go/km/docs/CouncilDocuments/TDBC/Documents/Heritage%20and%20Landscape/11127%20Silk%20Mills%20Local%20nature%20reserve%20Nov%202010.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> Frieze Hill Community Orchard has turned from allotments to rough grassland and orchard. Among the apples grown are Kingston Black and Yarlington Mill.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Frieze Hill Community Orchard |url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1129 |publisher=Natural England |access-date=23 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064349/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1129 |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
===Climate=== Like most of South West England, Taunton has a temperate climate, wetter and milder than the rest of the country.<ref name="weather">{{Cite web |title=South West England: climate |work=Met Office |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/sw/ |access-date=14 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605003222/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/sw/ |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> The annual mean temperature is about {{Convert|10|°C|°F|1}}. Seasonal temperature variation is less extreme because of the adjacent sea. The summer months of July and August have mean daily maxima of about {{Convert|21|°C|°F|1}}. In winter, mean minimum temperatures of {{Convert|1|°C|°F|1}} or {{Convert|2|°C|°F|1}} are common.<ref name="weather"/> In the summer the Azores high pressure affects the south-west of England, but convective cloud sometimes forms inland, reducing the sunshine hours. Annual sunshine rates are slightly under the regional average of 1,600{{nbsp}}hours.<ref name="weather"/> Most of the rainfall in the south-west is caused by Atlantic depressions or by convection – in autumn and winter by the former, which are then at their most active. In summer, much rainfall results from the sun heating the ground, leading to convection, showers and thunderstorms. Average rainfall is about {{Convert|700|mm|abbr=on}}. Some 8{{ndash}}15{{nbsp}}days of snowfall are typical. November to March have the highest mean winds and June to August the lightest. The prevailing wind direction is from the south-west.<ref name="weather"/>
{{Weather box|width=auto |metric first=y |single line=y |collapsed = Y |location = Cannington,{{efn|Weather station is located {{convert|10.0|mi|1|abbr=out}} from the Taunton city centre.}} (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1959–2005) |Jan record high C = 15.4 |Feb record high C = 17.7 |Mar record high C = 20.6 |Apr record high C = 26.1 |May record high C = 27.0 |Jun record high C = 32.5 |Jul record high C = 34.0 |Aug record high C = 32.5 |Sep record high C = 28.9 |Oct record high C = 25.6 |Nov record high C = 19.0 |Dec record high C = 15.7 |Jan record low C = -13.9 |Feb record low C = -9.4 |Mar record low C = -7.8 |Apr record low C = -2.8 |May record low C = -1.0 |Jun record low C = 2.2 |Jul record low C = 5.0 |Aug record low C = 5.0 |Sep record low C = 1.7 |Oct record low C = -2.7 |Nov record low C = -5.6 |Dec record low C = -8.3 |Jan high C = 8.8 |Feb high C = 9.2 |Mar high C = 11.4 |Apr high C = 14.1 |May high C = 17.1 |Jun high C = 19.9 |Jul high C = 21.7 |Aug high C = 21.3 |Sep high C = 19.3 |Oct high C = 15.3 |Nov high C = 11.8 |Dec high C = 9.3 | year high C = 15.0 |Jan mean C = 5.8 |Feb mean C = 6.1 |Mar mean C = 7.7 |Apr mean C = 9.8 |May mean C = 12.6 |Jun mean C = 15.5 |Jul mean C = 17.3 |Aug mean C = 17.2 |Sep mean C = 15.1 |Oct mean C = 11.9 |Nov mean C = 8.8 |Dec mean C = 6.4 | year mean C = |Jan low C = 2.8 |Feb low C = 2.9 |Mar low C = 4.0 |Apr low C = 5.4 |May low C = 8.1 |Jun low C = 11.1 |Jul low C = 12.9 |Aug low C = 13.0 |Sep low C = 10.8 |Oct low C = 8.4 |Nov low C = 5.7 |Dec low C = 3.4 | year low C = 7.4 |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation mm = 77.6 |Feb precipitation mm = 54.6 |Mar precipitation mm = 55.7 |Apr precipitation mm = 53.0 |May precipitation mm = 51.2 |Jun precipitation mm = 52.0 |Jul precipitation mm = 53.2 |Aug precipitation mm = 70.3 |Sep precipitation mm = 62.1 |Oct precipitation mm = 87.7 |Nov precipitation mm = 85.9 |Dec precipitation mm = 83.7 |year precipitation mm = 787.0 |unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm | Jan precipitation days = 13.1 | Feb precipitation days = 10.5 | Mar precipitation days = 10.4 | Apr precipitation days = 9.6 | May precipitation days = 9.4 | Jun precipitation days = 8.6 | Jul precipitation days = 8.9 | Aug precipitation days = 10.5 | Sep precipitation days = 9.1 | Oct precipitation days = 13.0 | Nov precipitation days = 13.5 | Dec precipitation days = 13.1 | year precipitation days =129.5 |Jan sun = 58.7 |Feb sun = 83.0 |Mar sun = 126.6 |Apr sun = 182.1 |May sun = 203.5 |Jun sun = 200.7 |Jul sun = 199.1 |Aug sun = 188.4 |Sep sun = 143.1 |Oct sun = 105.9 |Nov sun = 73.3 |Dec sun = 51.5 |year sun = 1615.7 | source 1 = Met Office<ref name="MetOffice">{{cite web |url = https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/location-specific-long-term-averages/gcjg4205u |title = Station: Cannington Climate period: 1991–2020 |publisher = Met Office |access-date = 15 December 2024}}</ref> | source 2 = Starlings Roost Weather<ref>{{cite web |url= http://starlingsroost.ddns.net/weather/ukobs/temp_month_record_tmax_map.php |title= Monthly Extreme Maximum Temperature, Monthly Extreme Minimum Temperature |publisher= Starlings Roost Weather |access-date= 16 December 2024 |archive-date= 1 February 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230201173843/http://starlingsroost.ddns.net/weather/ukobs/temp_month_record_tmax_map.php |url-status= dead }}</ref> }}
==Economy== thumb|right|alt=A large vehicle lit by many lights and carrying people dressed in costume in a darkened street. People stand on the balconies of the shops behind.|The annual Taunton Carnival takes a route through the shopping district in the centre of the town. Taunton Deane had low unemployment of 4.1 per cent compared with a national average of 5.0 per cent in 2005.<ref name="tdbc">{{Cite web |url=http://consultldf.tauntondeane.gov.uk/portal/spatialplanning/ttcaap/ttcaapsa?pointId=section_1102011612114 |title=Economic Characteristics |work=Submission Sustainability Appraisal for Taunton Town Centre Area Action Plan |publisher=Taunton Deane Borough Council |access-date=16 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813231744/http://consultldf.tauntondeane.gov.uk/portal/spatialplanning/ttcaap/ttcaapsa?pointId=section_1102011612114 |archive-date=13 August 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Taunton is home to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), a Ministry of Defence body responsible for providing navigational and other hydrographic information for national, civil and defence requirements. The UKHO is located on Admiralty Way and has a workforce of about 1100.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UK Hydrographic Office |url=http://www.coreindex.co.uk/company-profile.php?shortlist=8896&companyid=8896 |publisher=Core index |access-date=15 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094235/http://www.coreindex.co.uk/company-profile.php?shortlist=8896&companyid=8896 |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> At the start of the Second World War, chart printing moved to Taunton, but the main office did not follow until 1968.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ukho.gov.uk/AboutUs/PublishingImages/timeline.pdf |title=Timeline of the UKHO |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=25 November 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090824091606/http://www.ukho.gov.uk/aboutus/publishingimages/timeline.pdf |archive-date=24 August 2009}}</ref> Cider is produced at many places in Taunton and the surrounding area.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.real-cider.co.uk/cider-tour-around-taunton/ |title=Taunton cider tour |date=30 July 2009 |publisher=Real Cider |access-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803020640/http://www.real-cider.co.uk/cider-tour-around-taunton/ |archive-date=3 August 2010}}</ref>
===Shopping=== Taunton's principal shops developed on the three streets that converge at Fore Street and the Market House: East Street, North Street and, to the south, High Street.<ref name="jedboult-40">{{cite book |last1=Bush |first1=Robin |title=Jedboult's Taunton |date=1983 |publisher=Barracuda Books |isbn=0-86023-186-0 |pages=40–41}}</ref><ref name="Mayberry-121">{{cite book |last1=Mayberry |first1=Tom |title=The Vale of Taunton Past |date=1998 |publisher=Phillimore |isbn=1-86077-044-4 |pages=121–125}}</ref> Many national 'High Street' brands became established on these streets as smaller retailers closed, for example the first store of the multinational New Look clothing retailer opened in Taunton in 1969,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.newlookgroup.com/newlook/en/aboutus/Whoweare/ourcompany |title=New Look – Our Company |publisher=Newlookgroup.com |access-date=13 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004000139/http://www.newlookgroup.com/newlook/en/aboutus/Whoweare/ourcompany |archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> however smaller retailers continue to operate in side streets such as the historic Bath Place (off the High Street) and St James Street (off North Street).<ref>{{cite web |title=Bath Place |url=https://bathplacetaunton.com/ |website=Bath Place |access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Barnes |first1=Jo |title=Taunton St James Street planters revitalised by town council |url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24494816.tauntons-st-james-street-planters-revitalised-new-management/ |website=Somerset County Gazette}}</ref> Taunton's oldest established large store is Hatcher's which has been on the High Street since 1894 and can trace its origins to a drapery business that started in 1775 on East Street.<ref name="jedboult-40"/><ref>{{cite web |title=About |url=https://www.hatchersdepartmentstore.co.uk/about |website=Hatcher & Sons |access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref>
Retail parks developed further from the town centre. Priory Fields opened in 1985 alongside the link road to the M5 motorway junction, and Hankridge Farm, closer to the motorway junction, was established by 1992 when a large Sainsbury's opened.<ref name="Mayberry-121"/>
==Landmarks== alt=Red brick building.|thumb|left|Gray's Almshouses Gray's Almshouses in East Street, founded by Robert Gray in 1615 for poor single women,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/44386 |title=Gray's Almshouses, East Street, Taunton |work=Somerset Historic Environment Record |publisher=Somerset County Council |access-date=1 May 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003123000/http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/44386 |archive-date=3 October 2016}}</ref> are red brick buildings bearing the arms of Robert Gray, dated 1635, and another arms of the Merchant Tailors. A small room used as a chapel has original benches and a painted ceiling. It has been classed by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building.<ref>{{NHLE |desc=Gray's Almshouses |num=1232341 |access-date=19 January 2008}}</ref>
St Margaret's Almshouses was founded as a leper colony in the 12th century. Glastonbury Abbey acquired patronage of it in the late 13th century and rebuilt it as almshouses in the early 16th. From 1612 to 1938 the building continued as such, cared for by a local parish. In the late 1930s it was converted into a hall of offices for the Rural Community Council and accommodation for the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen. It later fell into disrepair. The Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust with Falcon Rural Housing purchased and restored it for use as four units of social housing. It is a Grade II* listed building.<ref>{{NHLE |desc=St Margaret's Leper Hospital |num=1232831 |access-date=31 July 2019}}</ref>
The grounds of Taunton Castle<ref>{{NHLE |desc=Taunton Castle |num=1231384 |access-date=5 November 2007}}</ref> include the Somerset County Museum and The Castle Hotel, which incorporates the Castle Bow archway. With the municipal buildings they form a three-sided group just beyond the Castle Bow archway from Fore Street. A plain brick Mecca Bingo hall fills the west side of it.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/18162223.mecca-bingo-building-sold-council-2-1-million-deal/ |title=Mecca Bingo building sold to council in £2.1 million deal |date=15 January 2020 |newspaper=Somerset County Gazette |access-date=22 February 2021 |archive-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829055126/https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/18162223.mecca-bingo-building-sold-council-2-1-million-deal/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
The frontage of the Fore Street ''Tudor Tavern'', now a Caffè Nero branch, dates from 1578, but the rest is thought to be from the 14th century.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1060025 |desc=Tudor Tavern |access-date=17 October 2008}}</ref>
alt=Old photograph of Tudor building with wooden buildings in the protruding upper floors.|thumb|Tudor Buildings, Fore Street The riverside area north of the centre is edged by Morrisons supermarket, retirement housing and the Brewhouse Theatre. Towards the centre are Bridge Street and Goodlands Gardens. A regeneration programme north of Bridge Street included redeveloping the County Cricket Ground was completed in 2016.<ref>[https://archive.today/20150106233411/http://www.ledarchitects.co.uk/drama-school-performance-centre-architect-somerset/new-cricket-pavilion-at-somerset-county-cricket-club-taunton LED Architects] ''New Cricket Pavilion at Somerset County Cricket Club, Taunton''</ref>
===Public parks=== [[File:Vivary fountain 3-2793.jpg|alt=Ornamental fountain in circular pool surrounded by grassy areas. In the background is a red brick building.|thumb|Victoria memorial water fountain, Vivary Park with Jellalabad Barracks in the background]]
The principal park in Taunton is Vivary Park. It covers {{cvt|7.5|ha}} on land that was once a medieval fish farm or ''vivarium'' for Taunton Priory and Taunton Castle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vivary Park, Taunton |url=https://www.somerset.gov.uk/locations/vivary-park-taunton/ |publisher=Somerset Council |access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref> A pair of decorative cast iron gates form the main entrance opposite the High Street.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Entrance Gates and Gatepiers to Vivary Park|num=1234117|grade=II|access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref> Near the gates is the war memorial by I.F. Shellard.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=War Memorial in Vivary Park|num=1059909|grade=II|access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref> and further into the park are a large decorative fountain which was installed in 1907 to commemorate Queen Victoria,<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Fountain in Vivary Park|num=1276258|grade=II|access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref> and a bandstand.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Bandstand in Vivary Park|num=1344792|grade=II|access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref> The Wilton Lands are another open space with a small lake adjacent to Vivary Park.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wilton Lands |url=https://eventspaces.somerset.gov.uk/sites/wilton-lands |publisher=Somerset Council |access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref>
Goodlands Gardens is in the town centre between the river and the museum.<ref>{{cite web |title=Goodlands Gardens |url=https://www.somerset.gov.uk/film_locations/goodlands-gardens/ |publisher=Somerset Council |access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref> Victoria Park covers {{cvt|5.7|ha}} and includes sports pitches, outdoor gym and play area. It is located off East Reach.<ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria Park |url=https://www.taunton-tc.gov.uk/victoria-park/ |publisher=Taunton Town Council |access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref>
===Pride Rainbow Path=== left|thumb|Pride Rainbow Path, Taunton. The Pride Rainbow Path in Goodland Gardens, Taunton town centre, runs alongside the River Tone. Designed by Jenny Keogh and Liz Hutchin of GoCreate,<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Radio Somerset - Matt Faulkner, 28/06/2021, Taunton rainbow path opened on Pride Day |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09ms9bs |access-date=2021-07-28 |website=BBC |date=28 June 2021 |language=en-GB |archive-date=28 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728155009/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09ms9bs |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{Cite web |title=Official opening of Rainbow Path in Taunton park |url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/19396341.rainbow-path-created-goodland-gardens-taunton/ |access-date=2021-07-28 |website=Somerset County Gazette |date=24 June 2021 |language=en |archive-date=28 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728155011/https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/19396341.rainbow-path-created-goodland-gardens-taunton/ |url-status=live}}</ref> it opened on 28 June 2021 to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement. It is believed to be the first such path in the UK.<ref name=autogenerated1/> The opening coincided with the first Taunton Pride in July 2021 and the Pride inspired Art Trail.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taunton Pride |url=https://tauntonpride.co.uk |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-28 |language=en-US |archive-date=28 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728155011/https://tauntonpride.co.uk/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Taunton Art Trails |url=https://tauntonpride.co.uk/?page_id=1574 |access-date=2021-07-28 |language=en-US |archive-date=28 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728155016/https://tauntonpride.co.uk/?page_id=1574 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The far end of the 62-metre path includes the chevron of Daniel Quasar's "Progress" flag, which incorporates the transgender flag and ethnic minorities, while the majority of the path uses the traditional LGBT rainbow.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-06-12 |title=Rainbow inclusivity pathway planned for Taunton |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-57384543 |access-date=2021-07-28 |archive-date=28 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728155009/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-57384543 |url-status=live}}</ref> The path has been designed not to require maintenance for 15 years.<ref name=autogenerated1/> {{clear left}}
==Transport== ===Railway=== thumb|right|Taunton station entrance
Taunton railway station is a principal stop on the Bristol to Exeter line, the Reading to Taunton line and the Cross Country Route. It is served by two train operating companies: * Great Western Railway operates services to {{rws|London Paddington}}, {{stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}}, {{stnlnk|Plymouth}}, {{stnlnk|Penzance}}, {{stnlnk|Cardiff Central}} and {{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}}. It also manages the station.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Train Times |work=Great Western Railway |date=2 June 2024 |access-date=19 July 2024 |url= https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/train-times}}</ref> * CrossCountry provides services to {{stnlnk|Birmingham New Street}}, {{rws|Leeds}}, {{rws|Manchester Piccadilly}}, {{rws|Glasgow Central}}, {{rws|Edinburgh Waverley}}, Plymouth and Penzance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Train Timetables |work=CrossCountry |date=2 June 2024 |access-date=19 July 2024 |url= https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/travel-updates-information/train-timetables}}</ref>
The former railway to {{stnlnk|Minehead}} was closed in 1971 and is now a heritage railway; West Somerset Railway provides services between {{stnlnk|Bishops Lydeard}} and Minehead.
In 2009, ''Project Taunton'', the authority responsible for Taunton's regeneration, revealed proposals for Taunton metro rail, under a transport sustainability plan.<ref>Project Taunton http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918171105/http://www.projecttaunton.co.uk/ |date=18 September 2009}}</ref> They were not implemented.
===Road=== Taunton has road links with the M5 motorway junctions 25 (Taunton) and 26 (Wellington) close to the town, and other major roads such as the A38 and A358. The Taunton bypass section of the M5, between the two junctions, opened in April 1974 and relieved the town of heavy holiday traffic on the A38. Taunton Deane services use that motorway section.
A strong economy increases traffic; in 2011, the County Council foresaw a sharp rise from 2001 levels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bridgwater, Taunton and Wellington future transport strategy |url=http://www.somerset.gov.uk/EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=43105 |publisher=Somerset County Council |access-date=8 October 2014}}</ref> Two major roads opened: the Third Way (A3807) linking Bridge Street and Castle Street in 2011,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Third Way opens this month |url=http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/taunton_news/9246082.Third_Way_opens_this_month/ |access-date=15 September 2014 |work=Somerset County Gazette |year=2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916033940/http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/taunton_news/9246082.Third_Way_opens_this_month/ |archive-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> and the Northern Inner Distributor Road (A3087) between Staplegrove Road and Priory Avenue in July 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/taunton_news/15248010._Critical_issues__remain_before_NIDR_is_deemed__safe_to_open_to_the_public_/?ref=rl&lp=5 |title='Critical issues' remain before NIDR is deemed 'safe to open to the public' |date=28 April 2017 |website=Somerset County Gazette |access-date=29 April 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033729/http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/taunton_news/15248010._Critical_issues__remain_before_NIDR_is_deemed__safe_to_open_to_the_public_/?ref=rl&lp=5 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=taunton's NIDR to open tomorrow |url=http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/15400445.TOMORROW_IS_THE_DAY__Taunton_s_NIDR_to_open_to_traffic/ |work=Somerset County Gazette |date=10 July 2017 |access-date=21 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042940/http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/15400445.TOMORROW_IS_THE_DAY__Taunton_s_NIDR_to_open_to_traffic/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Buses and coaches=== thumb|Taunton's former bus station Bus services in the Taunton area are detailed below:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stops in Taunton|url=https://www.bustimes.org/localities/taunton |website=Bustimes.org |access-date=19 July 2024}}</ref> * Many local services are provided by The Buses of Somerset; their routes operate to Minehead, Bridgwater and Yeovil. Its route 28 links the railway stations at Taunton and Bishops Lydeard.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://westsomersetrailway.vticket.co.uk/article.php/61/about-us |title=About Us |publisher=West Somerset Railway |access-date=2 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714172131/http://westsomersetrailway.vticket.co.uk/article.php/61/about-us |archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maps |url=http://www.busesofsomerset.co.uk/maps.shtml |publisher=The Buses of Somerset |access-date=14 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412132923/http://www.busesofsomerset.co.uk/maps.shtml |archive-date=12 April 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Other services are provided by Hatch Green Coaches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bus Services |url=http://www.hatchgreencoaches.co.uk/somerset_bus1services.html |publisher=Hatch Green Coaches |access-date=14 May 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517134105/http://www.hatchgreencoaches.co.uk/somerset_bus1services.html |archive-date=17 May 2014}}</ref> Taunton bus station was in Tower Street from 1953 until 2020. Most services now terminate at stops on The Parade or Castle Way. * Taunton's park and ride service operates between Taunton gateway near the M5 motorway and Silk Mills on the north-west side of town. It is operated by Stagecoach, who also operate the Falcon coach service between Plymouth, Taunton and Bristol. * Berrys Coaches, based in Taunton, operates several 'Superfast' services to London,<ref>[https://book.berryscoaches.co.uk/superfast-timetables.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206130339/https://book.berryscoaches.co.uk/superfast-timetables.html|date=6 February 2021}} Superfast Timetable</ref> as well as operating services on behalf of Flixbus. National Express runs long-distance coach services to many destinations.
===Air=== The nearest airports are Exeter and Bristol, both within {{convert|40|mi|0}} of Taunton.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/results/?qs_1=taunton&qs_3=&qs_2=&qs_4=exeter+airport&countryCode_4=UK&countryCode_1=UK&countryCode_3=UK&countryCode_2=UK&rpref=true&optimizeIntermediates=true&mapType=interactive&rtype=true&jsOption=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921195422/http://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/results/?qs_1=taunton&qs_3=&qs_2=&qs_4=exeter+airport&countryCode_4=UK&countryCode_1=UK&countryCode_3=UK&countryCode_2=UK&rpref=true&optimizeIntermediates=true&mapType=interactive&rtype=true&jsOption=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 September 2020 |title=RAC Route Planner | Routes, maps & traffic updates, UK & Europe |publisher=Rac.co.uk |access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/results/?qs_1=taunton&qs_3=&qs_2=&qs_4=bristol+airport&countryCode_4=UK&countryCode_1=UK&countryCode_3=UK&countryCode_2=UK&rpref=true&optimizeIntermediates=true&mapType=interactive&rtype=true&jsOption=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928073809/http://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/results/?qs_1=taunton&qs_3=&qs_2=&qs_4=bristol+airport&countryCode_4=UK&countryCode_1=UK&countryCode_3=UK&countryCode_2=UK&rpref=true&optimizeIntermediates=true&mapType=interactive&rtype=true&jsOption=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2020 |title=RAC Route Planner | Routes, maps & traffic updates, UK & Europe |publisher=Rac.co.uk |access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref>
===Trams=== thumb|A single-deck car in Fore Street, {{circa|1910}} Taunton Tramway opened on 21 August 1901. Six double-decker cars operated on a {{RailGauge|3ft6in}} gauge line between the railway station and the depot at East Reach. In 1905 the service was withdrawn for two months while the track was improved; the cars were replaced by six single-decker cars and the old double deckers sold to Leamington Spa. A short extension beyond the station to Rowbarton opened in 1909, making the line {{Convert|1.66|mi|km|1}} long. However, the price of its electricity was due to rise in 1928 to a level the firm refused to pay, and it offered to sell out, but this was not accepted. The electricity was cut off on 28 May 1921 and the system closed.<ref name=tramways>{{Cite book |last=Oppitz |first=Leslie |title=Tramways Remembered: West and South West England |year= 1990 |publisher= Countryside Books |isbn=978-1-85306-095-3}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.swehs.co.uk/swehs-trams/tspark.php |title=Electric Transport in the South West |publisher=South Western Electricity Historical Society |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722061841/http://www.swehs.co.uk/swehs-trams/tspark.php |archive-date=22 July 2013}}</ref>
===Canal=== The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is a navigable waterway that links Taunton with Bridgwater, opened in 1827. Having been closed to navigation in 1907, it re-opened after restoration in 1994.<ref>{{cite book |first=Jane |last=Cumberlidge |year=2009 |title=Inland Waterways of Great Britain |edition=8th |location=St Ives, Cambridgeshire |publisher=Imray Laurie Norie and Wilson Ltd |pages=86–87 |isbn=978-0-85288-355-6}}</ref> {{Clear}}
==Education== [[File:Kingscollegetaunton.jpg|alt=Red brick building with tower. In the foreground are grass and shrubs.|thumb|King's College]] State secondary schools in Taunton include The Castle School, Monkton Wood Academy, Bishop Fox's School and The Taunton Academy. Further education is offered by Richard Huish College, The Taunton Academy (sponsored by Richard Huish College) and Bridgwater and Taunton College. Heathfield Community School has a post-16 further education college specialising in performing arts and technical theatre called The SPACE (The Somerset Performing Arts Centre for Education). Heathfield Community School is also a teaching school and the base of Taunton Teaching Alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taunton Teaching Alliance |url=http://www.tauntonteachingalliance.co.uk/ |publisher=Taunton Teaching Alliance |access-date=20 March 2017 |archive-date=20 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320233339/http://www.tauntonteachingalliance.co.uk/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The Taunton campus of Bridgwater and Taunton College is a partner of Plymouth University and includes University Centre Taunton. There are three co-educational private schools: Queen's College, King's College and Taunton School.{{citation needed|date=December 2025}}
In March 2009, it was found that Jim Knight, Minister of State for Schools and Families, had approved the closure of Ladymead Community School and the nearby St Augustine of Canterbury RC/CoE School in the Priorswood area of Taunton.<ref name=closure>{{Cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/7939479.stm |title=Academy plan clears major hurdle |date=12 March 2009 |access-date=12 March 2009 |work=BBC News |archive-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109105004/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/7939479.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> They gave way in September 2010 to the Taunton Academy.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/local/somerset/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8648000/8648389.stm |work=BBC News|date=28 April 2010 |title=In depth: New schools in Somerset |access-date=25 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403043037/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/somerset/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8648000/8648389.stm |archive-date= 3 April 2015}}</ref>
Young people with special educational needs are provided for by two special schools and one complex Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). Sky College caters for boys aged 10–18 who have social, emotional and mental-health difficulties. Selworthy School has pupils of 4–19 who have complex and multiple learning difficulties,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Milligan |first1=Daniel |title=Selworthy School offers something special in Taunton |url=http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/10928368.Selworthy_School_offers_something_special_in_Taunton/ |access-date=21 March 2017 |work=Somerset County Gazette |archive-date=22 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322203115/http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/10928368.Selworthy_School_offers_something_special_in_Taunton/ |url-status=live}}</ref> while the Taunton Deane Partnership College is a complex PRU for children in Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, with a Medical Tuition Service, Outreach & Advisory Service and an Area Access Team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taunton Deane Partnership College |url=http://www.education.gov.uk/edubase/establishment/summary.xhtml?urn=134699 |publisher=Department for Education |access-date=21 March 2017 |archive-date=22 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322112238/http://www.education.gov.uk/edubase/establishment/summary.xhtml?urn=134699 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Health services== Taunton is within NHS Somerset and home to Musgrove Park Hospital. This is one of two district hospitals in Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Yeovil Hospital. A Nuffield Hospital also lies in the town, run privately by Nuffield Health. The town has several medical surgeries and a family planning clinic, an occupational health centre and a chiropractic clinic.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://somersetgateway.somerset.gov.uk/records/OrganisationRecord.jsp?display=25419&query=_type:%22Organisation%22%20AND%20%28%22Family%20planning%22%29&general=%22Family+planning%22&category=Search%20All&type=Organisation&hitsPerPage=10&doc=0&maxdoc=6&defaultor=false&defaultfield=_body&searchMode=quick |title=Contraceptive & Sexual Health Service |publisher=Somerset Gateway |access-date=11 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007045831/http://somersetgateway.somerset.gov.uk/records/OrganisationRecord.jsp?display=25419&query=_type:%22Organisation%22%20AND%20(%22Family%20planning%22)&general=%22Family+planning%22&category=Search%20All&type=Organisation&hitsPerPage=10&doc=0&maxdoc=6&defaultor=false&defaultfield=_body&searchMode=quick |archive-date=7 October 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.specialistinfo.com/thget.php?t=t_chst&r=TAUSH1 |title=Somerset Occupational Health |publisher=Specialistinfo.com |access-date=11 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214192944/http://specialistinfo.com/thget.php?t=t_chst&r=TAUSH1 |archive-date=14 February 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
==Religious sites== [[File:St Mary Magdalene Taunton.jpg|alt=Yellow stone building with arched windows and ornate square tower.|thumb|Taunton Minster Church of St. Mary Magdalene|upright]] [[File:St John Taunton.JPG|thumb|upright|Church of St John the Evangelist]] The Taunton Minster Church of St Mary Magdalene, built of sandstone more in the South Somerset style, retains an attractive painted interior, but its prime feature is a 15th and 16th-century tower rebuilt in the mid-19th century. It is one of the country's best examples and a landmark {{convert|158|ft|m}} high.<ref>Julian Flannery, 2016. ''Fifty English Steeples: The Finest Medieval Parish Church Towers and Spires in England''. New York City, New York, United States: Thames and Hudson. pp. 392–401. {{ISBN|978-0-500-34314-2}}.</ref><ref>{{NHLE |desc=Church of Mary Magdalene |num=1278073 |access-date=19 January 2008}}</ref> It was termed by Simon Jenkins, "the finest in England. It makes its peace with the sky not just with a coronet but with the entire crown jewels cast in red-brown stone."<ref name="jenkins">{{Cite book |last=Jenkins |first=Simon |title=England's Thousand Best Churches |year=2000 |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=0-14-029795-2}}</ref> It holds 12 bells and 3 bells "hung dead" for the clock.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dove.cccbr.org.uk/detail.php?searchString=taunton&DoveID=TAUNTON+MM |title=Taunton—S Mary Magd |work=Dove's Guide for Church Bell Ringers |publisher=Central Council for Church Bell Ringers |date=30 September 2007 |access-date=15 April 2009 |archive-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109104857/https://dove.cccbr.org.uk/detail.php?searchString=taunton&DoveID=TAUNTON+MM |url-status=live}}</ref>
Close by St Mary Magdelene and near the County Ground is the parish church of St James. The oldest parts are early 14th century; there are fragments of 15th-century glass in the west end. Like St Mary's, it has a sandstone tower, but built to a less impressive design. It too was rebuilt in the 19th century, in this case due to building defects in the original.<ref>{{Cite web |title=St James Church History |url=http://www.stjamestaunton.co.uk/Text/StJHistory.pdf |access-date=22 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227210338/http://www.stjamestaunton.co.uk/Text/StJHistory.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2008}}</ref>
The church of St John the Evangelist was built in 1858 to serve the poor of the town.<ref name="Explore">{{Cite web |title=Taunton St John the Evangelist |url=https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-john-evangelist-taunton |website=Explore Churches |access-date=12 June 2019 |language=en |archive-date=9 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809152942/https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-john-evangelist-taunton |url-status=live}}</ref> The church of St Andrew, built 1878, serves the area of Rowbarton.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.standrewstaunton.org.uk/aboutus.htm |title=About Us - St Andrews Church, Taunton |website=www.standrewstaunton.org.uk |access-date=7 August 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527090529/https://www.standrewstaunton.org.uk/aboutus.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
In the later 17th century, Taunton had two Dissenting places of worship: "Paul's Meeting" and the Baptist Meeting.<ref>Robin Bush (1977), ''The Book of Taunton''.</ref> The former was built at the top of Paul Street soon after 1672 on a bowling green behind the ''Three Cups Inn'', now The County Hotel, and rapidly became one of the largest congregations in the county. After Mayor Timewell sacked both Paul's Meeting and the Baptist Meeting in 1683,<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Dunning |first1=Robert |title=Fifty Somerset Churches |date=1996 |publisher=Somerset Books |isbn=978-0-86183-309-2 |pages=115–117}}</ref> the dissenters were driven to worship in private houses on the outskirts of Taunton, where their assemblies were regularly raided by the Justices of the Peace. Paul's Meeting survived attempts to turn it into a workhouse, and with the coming of William III and Mary II, followed by the Toleration Act 1688, it reopened. Hugh Willoughby, 15th Baron Willoughby of Parham, was educated in early life at Taunton Dissenters' Academy.<ref name="Higson170">Hugh, Lord Willoughby, a neglected society president, P. J. W Higson, p. 170.</ref> The Baptist Meeting became the Baptist New Meeting, registered in 1691 and rebuilt in 1721 as Mary Street Chapel.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1060009 |desc=Unitarian Chapel |access-date=9 February 2010}}</ref>
Taunton Unitarian Chapel, dating from 1721,<ref>{{NHLE |desc=Unitarian Chapel |num=1060009 |access-date=19 January 2008}}</ref> stands in Mary Street. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, while living at Nether Stowey {{Convert|16|mi|km}} away, came to the chapel to preach several times. Dr Malachi Blake, who founded the Taunton and Somerset Hospital in East Reach, Taunton, was also a preacher there, attending in 1809 a celebration of the 50th year of George the Third's reign. The chapel retains its original interior, including Flemish oak pillars in Corinthian style. The pews and pulpit are also in oak. There is an early 18th-century candelabra.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zaqpW4jc0JEC&pg=PA313 |title=The Buildings of England: South and West Somerset |last=Pevsner |first=Nikolaus |authorlink=Nikolaus Pevsner |publisher=Penguin Books |orig-date=1958 |year=2001 |location=London |isbn=978-0-14-071014-4 |page=313}}</ref>
St George's, the town's Roman Catholic church, dates from the mid-19th century. It was the second Catholic church built in Taunton since the Reformation, replacing a smaller St George's Chapel. The main building is designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building, while the clergy house is Grade II listed.<ref>{{National Heritage List for England |num=1231201 |desc=The Roman Catholic Church of St George |accessdate=4 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{National Heritage List for England |num=1060068 |desc=Rectory adjoining the Roman Catholic Church of St George |accessdate=4 April 2015}}</ref>
==Culture== Taunton town centre has the Brewhouse Theatre. It closed in February 2013 due to financial difficulties, but reopened in April 2014 under the Taunton Theatre Association (TTA), which was granted the 61-year lease that Taunton Deane Borough Council had bought on the site and its contents from the administrator.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre to be reopened by community group |work=BBC News |date=5 December 2013 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-25225865 |access-date=5 December 2013 |archive-date=31 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131003501/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-25225865 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton set to reopen in April 2014 |url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/brewhouse-theatre-in-taunton-set-to-reopen-in-april-2014/ |work=The Stage |access-date=5 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223150300/http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/12/brewhouse-theatre-taunton-set-reopen-april-2014/ |archive-date=23 February 2014}}</ref> Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre<ref>{{Cite web |title=About the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre |url=http://www.tacchi-morris.com/about/arts-centre.html |publisher=Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre |access-date=15 December 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201230245/http://www.tacchi-morris.com/about/arts-centre.html |archive-date= 1 February 2012}}</ref> is a professional theatre based at Monkton Wood Academy, hosting touring theatre, dance and comedy, and productions by South West schools and colleges. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre also runs community classes. The Creative Innovation Centre CIC has an arts and culture venue in the town centre.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About us |url=http://www.creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk/about-creative-innovation-centre/ |publisher=Creative Innovation Centre |access-date=10 January 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112194248/http://www.creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk/about-creative-innovation-centre/ |archive-date=12 January 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Taunton Flower Show is held each August in Vivary Park. It is the oldest flower show in England, the first show having been at the Assembly Rooms in 1831 and in the park since 1851.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bullock |first1=ByClara |last2=Everett |first2=Mel |title=Country's oldest flower show struggling to survive |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgzkg4p3n0o |publisher=BBC News |date=2026 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Bush|1983|page=77}}
The County Cricket Ground has hosted some open-air concerts including Elton John in 2006<ref>{{cite web |title=Events bring 65,000 to Somerset |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/5092118.stm |website=BBC |access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref> and Rod Stewart in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leaman |first1=Tom |title=Rod Stewart shines in Taunton at ‘fabulous’ concert |url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24178905.rod-stewart-shines-taunton-fabulous-concert/ |website=Somerset County Gazette |access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref> Several concerts are held each year at Taunton's largest church, St Mary Magdalene. In recent years The Sixteen, The Tallis Scholars and Gabrieli Consort have all performed to full audiences.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Sixteen conducted by Harry Christophers |date=27 April 2012 |url=http://www.stmarymagdalenetaunton.org.uk/events/concert-by-the-sixteen/ |publisher=St Mary Magdalene |access-date=2 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626141520/http://www.stmarymagdalenetaunton.org.uk/events/concert-by-the-sixteen/ |archive-date=26 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Stunning, world-class Christmas concert |url=http://creativesomerset.com/music-on-the-quantocks/stunning-world-class-christmas-concert/ |publisher=Creative Somerset |access-date=2 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714141735/http://creativesomerset.com/music-on-the-quantocks/stunning-world-class-christmas-concert/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Taunton also has several choirs and orchestras that perform in the town's churches and school chapels. Many music and drama groups are members of the Taunton Association of Performing Arts (TAPA), which produces a diary and calendar of performances in and about the town.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taunton Association of Performing Arts |url=http://tapa.org.uk/index.html |publisher=Taunton Association of Performing Arts |access-date=15 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426052233/http://tapa.org.uk/index.html |archive-date=26 April 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Taunton has two radio stations: BBC Radio Somerset,<ref>{{Cite web |title=About BBC Somerset |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsomerset/help#contact |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218200909/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsomerset/help |archive-date=18 December 2015}}</ref> and Apple FM.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |date=13 February 2013 |url=http://www.applefm.co.uk/about |publisher=Apple FM |access-date=11 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715060833/http://www.applefm.co.uk/about |archive-date=15 July 2015}}</ref>
Since 2001, Taunton has been the base of a domestic violence charity, the ManKind Initiative, to help male victims of domestic abuse.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/domestic-violence-against-men-somerset-100092 |title=Domestic violence against men in Somerset soars to record levels |first=Laura |last=Linham |date=8 June 2017 |website=somersetlive |access-date=7 August 2019 |archive-date=7 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807111749/https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/domestic-violence-against-men-somerset-100092 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Sport== thumb|upright=1.9|right|Somerset playing Yorkshire at the County Ground The County Ground was originally home to Taunton Cricket Club, formed in 1829. It played at the County Ground until 1977, before moving to Moorfields, Taunton, in conjunction with Taunton Vale Hockey Club, since when the County Ground has been solely used by Somerset County Cricket Club (CCC).<ref>{{cite web |title=Taunton Cricket Club – Club History |url=https://somersetcricketmuseum.co.uk/taunton-cricket-club-club-history/ |website=Somerset Cricket Museum |access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://taunton.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp |title=Taunton CC – Play-Cricket |publisher=Taunton.play-cricket.com |access-date=25 April 2012 |archive-date=15 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315021149/http://taunton.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp |url-status=live}}</ref> Somerset CCC was formed in 1875, but did not achieve first-class status until 1891.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Sunshine, Sixes and Cider: The History of Somerset Cricket |last=Foot |first=David |year=1986 |edition=1986 |publisher=David & Charles |isbn=0-7153-8890-8}}</ref> The County Ground has a capacity of 8,500;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dobell |first=George |date=14 April 2011 |title=Chopra dominates Somerset with career-best ton |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/county-championship-division-one-2011-491206/somerset-vs-warwickshire-492092/match-report-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404230842/http://www.espncricinfo.com/county-cricket-2011/content/current/story/511083.html |archive-date=4 April 2016 |access-date=17 January 2015 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> the ends are called the River End and the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion End.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://somersetcountycc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SCCC-Ground-Map-2018_3.pdf |title=County Ground, Taunton |publisher=Cricket Archive |access-date=9 February 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209185724/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Grounds/11/783.html |archive-date= 9 February 2010}}</ref> It is the current home of the England women's cricket team. The Somerset Cricket Museum is nearby, housed in the old priory barn.<ref>{{cite web|title=Somerset Cricket Museum Celebrates 21 Years |url=http://www.somersetcountycc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Museum/0,,11333,00.html |date=26 April 2010 |publisher=Somerset County Cricket Club |accessdate=2010-05-28 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724105217/http://www.somersetcountycc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Museum/0%2C%2C11333%2C00.html |archivedate=24 July 2010 }}</ref>
Taunton Cricket Club moved to the Taunton Vale Sports Club Ground in Staplegrove.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taunton Cricket Club |url=https://www.cricketworld.com/taunton-cricket-club/37285.htm |website=Cricket World |access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref> Taunton Vale Cricket Club was established in 1938 and have played at Convent Field adjacent to Vivary Park since 1960.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taunton Deane Cricket Club – Club History |url=https://somersetcricketmuseum.co.uk/club-history-taunton-deane-cricket-club/ |website=Somerset Cricket Museum |access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref> Taunton St Andrews Cricket Club play at the nearby Wyvern Sports and Social Club in Mountfields Road.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taunton St Andrews Cricket Club – Club History |url=https://somersetcricketmuseum.co.uk/taunton-st-andrews-cricket-club-club-history/ |website=Somerset Cricket Museum |access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref>
Taunton Town Football Club (FC) plays at Wordsworth Drive.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tauntontown.com/ClubLocation.asp |title=Location |publisher=Taunton Town Football Club |access-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429192336/http://www.tauntontown.com/ClubLocation.asp |archive-date=29 April 2011}}</ref> An earlier Taunton Town FC played at Priory Park in the 1930s, however the current team was formed in 1947 by local businessmen as ''Taunton FC'', changing to the current name in 1968, and played its first friendly fixture in 1948. For most of its history, Taunton belonged to the Western League. It spent a six-season spell in the Southern League from 1977, and after a further period in the Western League, returned to the Southern League in 2002, after winning the FA Vase in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fchd.info/TAUNTONT.HTM |title=Taunton Town |publisher=Football Club history Database |access-date=9 February 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516062501/http://www.fchd.info/TAUNTONT.HTM |archive-date=16 May 2008}}</ref> The club won the Division One South and West league title in 2017–18 and narrowly missed out on further promotion in 2018–19.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taunton Town v PooleTown - Taunton Town Football Club |url=https://tauntontown.com/event/taunton-v-poole/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515113605/https://tauntontown.com/event/taunton-v-poole/ |archive-date=15 May 2019 |access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref>
Taunton Rugby Football Club (RFC), based in Taunton, currently play in National League 1, having achieved back-to-back promotions in 2009 and 2010 and then again in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tauntonrfc.co.uk/match-info/1st-xv/1st-xv-team-infohistory |title=Team Info — Taunton 1st XV |publisher=Taunton RFC |accessdate=2010-11-14 |archive-date=20 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120014754/http://www.tauntonrfc.co.uk/match-info/1st-xv/1st-xv-team-infohistory |url-status=dead }}</ref> It played at Priory Park Sports Ground from 1935 to 2001, before moving to the Commsplus Stadium.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.samurai-sports.com/taunton-rugby-club/ |title=Taunton Rugby Club |publisher=Samurai Sports.com |access-date=20 February 2019 |archive-date=20 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220002917/https://www.samurai-sports.com/taunton-rugby-club/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Somerset Vikings is a rugby league club formed in 2003 as part of the Rugby Football League's plans to develop the game beyond its traditional north-of-England areas. Initially the side was made up of a mixture of Royal Marines based in Taunton and Exeter with local rugby union players keen to try the 13-man code. It plays at Hyde Park, also home to Taunton RFC.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tauntonrfc.co.uk/the-club/club-contacts |title=Club Contacts |publisher=Taunton RFC |access-date=14 November 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120093153/http://www.tauntonrfc.co.uk/the-club/club-contacts |archive-date=20 November 2010}}</ref>
The Huish Tigers (formerly Taunton Tigers) is a semi-professional men's basketball team competing in the Somerset Basketball League. The team plays its home games at Richard Huish College. They also have a basketball academy with youth teams as well as a women's team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Huish Basketball - Richard Huish College|url=https://www.huish.ac.uk/tigers/basketball/|accessdate=25 February 2025}}</ref> thumb|right|The Grandstand at the racecourse
Taunton Racecourse is close to the Blackdown Hills, about {{Convert|2|mi|km|0}} from the centre of Taunton. Although racing had been held in the area before, the first race at this site was held on 21 September 1927. The Orchard Stand and Paddock Stand provide catering facilities and are used for meetings and conferences on days when racing is not taking place.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk/ |title=Taunton Racecourse |publisher=Taunton Racecourse |access-date=21 November 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210005918/http://www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk/ |archive-date=10 February 2010}}</ref> Greyhound racing was held at the Priory Park Sports Ground and County Cricket ground in the past.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/Map/323207/125100/13/100765 |title=OS Plan 1967-1972 |publisher=old-maps.co.uk |access-date=20 February 2019 |archive-date=10 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510133720/https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/Map/323207/125100/13/100765 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Barnes |first=Julia |title=Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File |year=1988 |publisher=Ringpress Books |isbn=0-948955-15-5}}</ref>
==Notable residents== The following were born or have lived in Taunton: <!-- Additions should be in alphabetical order of surname, should include year of birth (and death if appropriate) and must have inline references, as well as passing the WP:N notability guidelines.--> * Colin Addison (born 1940), professional footballer and manager born in Taunton<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hereford.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=122168 |title=Hereford Hero: Colin Addison |date=27 August 2008 |work=Hereford United Football Club News |access-date=28 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213105014/http://www.hereford.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=122168 |archive-date=13 December 2009}}</ref> * Jenny Agutter (born 1952), actress born in Taunton<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/47/Jenny-Agutter.html |title=Jenny Agutter Biography (1952–) |publisher=Filmreference.com |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710115316/http://www.filmreference.com/film/47/Jenny-Agutter.html |archive-date=10 July 2012}}</ref> * Joseph Alleine (1634–1668), Nonconformist pastor and author<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.englandschristianheritage.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=63 |title=Somerset |publisher=England's Christian Heritage |access-date=9 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005080139/http://www.englandschristianheritage.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=63 |archive-date=5 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Alleine, Joseph |volume= 1 | page= 690 |short= 1}}</ref> * William Larkins Bernard (1843–1922), architect born in Taunton<ref>[http://eng.archinform.net/arch/24996.htm William Larkins Bernard] {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20120708083442/http://eng.archinform.net/arch/24996.htm |date= 8 July 2012}} at archinform.net. Retrieved 25 November 2009.</ref> * Pattie Boyd (born 1944), actress and model; former wife of George Harrison, then Eric Clapton<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2007/08/28/patti_boyd_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC Somerset |title=Profiles: Pattie Boyd's extraordinary life |access-date=27 May 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100910013811/http://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2007/08/28/patti_boyd_feature.shtml |archive-date=10 September 2010}}</ref> * Jos Buttler (born 1990), England cricketer<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/308967.html|title=Jos Buttler|website=ESPNCricinfo|access-date=30 May 2019|archive-date=31 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531215737/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/308967.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * Deborah Criddle (born 1966), a Taunton-born para-equestrian winner of three golds at the Athens 2004 Summer Paralympics and three medals at the London 2012 Summer Paralympics in London. She currently lives in nearby Trull.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.paralympics.org.uk/gb/athletes/deborah-criddle |title=Deborah Criddle MBE |work=Paralympics GB |access-date=1 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193758/http://www.paralympics.org.uk/gb/athletes/deborah-criddle |archive-date=2 January 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> * John Crockford (c. 1823–1865), publisher<ref>{{Cite web |title=About John Crockford |url=http://www.crockford.org.uk/standard.asp?id=126 |publisher=Crockford |access-date=26 December 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220024834/http://www.crockford.org.uk/standard.asp?id=126 |archive-date=20 February 2012}}</ref> * William Crotch (1775–1847), composer and Principal of the Royal Academy of Music,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hoasm.org/VIIJ/Crotch.html |publisher=HOASM.org |title=William Crotch |access-date=12 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716192546/http://www.hoasm.org/VIIJ/Crotch.html |archive-date=16 July 2012}}</ref> is buried at Bishops Hull Church, Taunton.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hymntime.com/TCH/bio/c/r/o/crotch_w.htm |publisher=hymntime.org |title=William Crotch |access-date=12 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103172208/http://www.hymntime.com/TCH/bio/c/r/o/crotch_w.htm |archive-date= 3 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Crotch, William |volume= 7 | page= 510 |short= 1}}</ref> * Stephen Daldry (born 1960), three times Academy Award nominee and Tony Award-winning stage and film director and producer<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/3588854/Why-I-love-Nicoles-nose.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |title=Why I love Nicole's Nose |date=21 January 2003 |access-date=12 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120134640/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/3588854/Why-I-love-Nicoles-nose.html |archive-date=20 January 2012}}</ref> * Samuel Daniel (1562–1619) a poet, playwright and historian, born "near Taunton".<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Daniel, Samuel |volume= 7 |last= Gosse |first= Edmund William |author-link= Edmund William Gosse| pages = 808–809 |short= 1}}</ref> * Alexander Ewing (1830-1895), Scottish composer, came to Taunton to finish his army career, retired and died there.<ref>{{Cite news| pages = 7| title = Obituary| work = The Times| location = London, England| date = 16 July 1895|via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = 23 May 2016|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5339419/rex_ewing_times_obit/}} {{Open access}}</ref> * Charles George Gordon (1833–1885), UK army general known as Gordon of Khartoum, attended the former Fullands School.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Somerset history in an object: Medals from the failed bid to relieve General Charles Gordon at Khartoum |url=http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/12910455.Somerset_history_in_an_object__Medals_from_the_failed_bid_to_relieve_General_Charles_Gordon_at_Khartoum/ |work=Somerset County Gazette |date=26 April 2015 |access-date=18 January 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220205959/http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/12910455.Somerset_history_in_an_object__Medals_from_the_failed_bid_to_relieve_General_Charles_Gordon_at_Khartoum/ |archive-date=20 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Gordon, Charles George |volume= 12 |last= Watson|first= Charles Moore |authorlink=Charles Moore Watson | pages = 249–253 |short= 1}}</ref> * Sir Benjamin Hammet (c. 1736–1800), businessman, banker and Taunton native, served as its MP in 1782–1800, and as High Sheriff of London. He was elected Lord Mayor of London in 1797 but declined to serve<ref>[https://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1790-1820/member/hammet-sir-benjamin-1736-1800 Thorne, R.G. "HAMMET, Sir Benjamin (c.1736–1800), of Wilton House, Sherford, nr. Taunton, Som. and Park Place Farm, Eltham, Kent" in ''The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1790–1820'' (R. Thorne, ed.) Somerset:Haynes Publishing, 1986]</ref> * Antony Hewish (1924–2021), astronomer and Nobel Prize for Physics winner<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1974/hewish-autobio.html |title=Antony Hewish – Autobiography |publisher=Nobel Foundation |date=11 May 1924 |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430125256/http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1974/hewish-autobio.html |archive-date=30 April 2012}}</ref> * Rebecca Huxtable (born 1981), Taunton-born radio personality and producer, formerly co-producing ''The Scott Mills Show'' on BBC Radio 1<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.unofficialmills.co.uk/team/beccy.php |title=Rebecca 'Beccy' Huxtable |publisher=Unofficial Mills |access-date=22 May 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727231201/http://www.unofficialmills.co.uk/team/beccy.php |archive-date=27 July 2011}}</ref> * Howard Jones (born 1955), musician.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mace |first1=Christopher |title=Synth-pop star to headline festival in homecoming gig |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy293jkq09o |publisher=BBC News |date=2026 |access-date=6 May 2026}}</ref> * Alexander William Kinglake (1809–1891), barrister, travel writer and historian, was born at Wilton House near Taunton.<ref>{{Cite ODNB |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/15611 |title=Kinglake, Alexander William (1809–1891) |author=John Sweetman |year=2004 |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/15611 |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917065826/http://www.oxforddnb.com/index/15/101015611/ |archive-date=17 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Kinglake, Alexander William |volume= 15 | page= 809 |short= 1}}</ref> * Scott Laird (born 1988), footballer with Scunthorpe United<ref name="Scott Laird – Soccerbase">{{Cite news |title=Scott Laird – Soccerbase |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=46013 |publisher=Soccerbase |access-date=31 December 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106021151/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=46013 |archive-date=6 November 2012}}</ref> * Jack Leach (born 1991), Somerset County Cricket Club and England cricketer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/455524.html |title=Jack Leach Profile |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=30 April 2013 }}</ref> * Lee Martin (born 1987), Taunton-born footballer with Millwall F.C.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football |title=BBC Sport : squad profiles |work=BBC Sport |access-date=28 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131114718/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/shared/bsp/hi/football/statistics/players/m/martin_285680.stm |archive-date=31 January 2009}}</ref> * Deborah Meaden (born 1959), Taunton-born business mogul, philanthropist and star of the TV series ''Dragons Den''<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Milligan |first1=Daniel |title=Dragons' Den celebrity Deborah Meaden filming new TV show in Taunton |url=http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/9175559.Dragons__Den_celebrity_Deborah_Meaden_filming_new_TV_show_in_Taunton/ |access-date=31 May 2017 |work=Somerset County Gazette |date=3 August 2011 |archive-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109105028/https://lax1-ib.adnxs.com/vevent?an_audit=0&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.somersetcountygazette.co.uk%2Fnews%2F9175559.dragons-den-celebrity-deborah-meaden-filming-new-tv-show-in-taunton%2F |url-status=live }}</ref> * William Ellis Metford (1824–1899), Taunton-born engineer known for the Metford rifling in the .303 Lee-Metford service rifle of the late 19th century<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.redland.org.uk/cgi-bin/page.cgi?20:20:34 |title=A Victorian Engineer: William Ellis Metford (1824–1899) |access-date=18 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930175854/http://www.redland.org.uk/cgi-bin/page.cgi?20%3A20%3A34 |archive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> * Ciara Michel (born 1985), member of Team GB Olympic volleyball squad, the first to play in the Olympic Games<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/athlete/michel-ciara-1079071/ |title=Ciara Michel Volleyball Olympic Athlete |access-date=31 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801081242/http://www.london2012.com/athlete/michel-ciara-1079071/ |archive-date=1 August 2012}}</ref> * John Mole (born 1941), poet and jazz musician born in Taunton<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/tutor/john-mole |title=University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education. Retrieved 14 August 2020. |access-date=14 August 2020 |archive-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109104904/https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/tutor/john-mole |url-status=live}}</ref> * Frank Montague Moore (1877–1967), Taunton-born painter and first director of the Honolulu Museum of Art<ref>Edan Hughes, ''Artists in California 1786–1940'', Sacramento, Crocker Art Museum, 2002.</ref> * Alfred B. Mullett (1834–1890), architect to Abraham Lincoln, born in Taunton<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.architecturecincy.org/dictionary/M.html |title=Biographical Dictionary of Cincinnati Architects, 1788–1940 |publisher=Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati |access-date=11 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917092802/http://architecturecincy.org/dictionary/M.html |archive-date=17 September 2010}}</ref> * James Northcote (born 1987), actor and film producer, was a pupil of King's College, Taunton.<ref>{{Citation |title=James comes home for a challenging role|last=Northcote|first=James |date=14 March 2014 |publisher=MGN Ltd. |page=25 |location=Plymouth, England |id={{ProQuest|1507149688}} |quote=Taking the key role of English soldier Yolland is James Northcote from Taunton}} Pay-walled.</ref> * Justin Pipe (born 1971), professional darts player<ref>{{Cite news |last=Szczepanik |first=Nick |title=Darts: There's just no rushing the tree surgeon when he's on the oche |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/darts-theres-just-no-rushing-the-tree-surgeon-when-hes-on-the-oche-6275443.html |access-date=3 January 2014 |newspaper=Independent |date=11 December 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124014729/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/darts-theres-just-no-rushing-the-tree-surgeon-when-hes-on-the-oche-6275443.html |archive-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> * James Purefoy (born 1964), Taunton-born actor, starred in the joint HBO/BBC series ''Rome''.<ref name="IMDB">{{IMDb name |id=0700856 |name=James Purefoy}}</ref> * Viv Richards (born 1952), Antiguan-born West Indies cricketer resident in Taunton while playing for Somerset, 1974–1986<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/1859874.stm |title=Sir Viv reaches milestone |date=7 March 2002 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=11 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930174424/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/1859874.stm |archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> * Gary Rhodes (1960–2019), celebrated head chef at the Castle Hotel, Taunton, 1986–1990<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.the-castle-hotel.com/Celebrity-Restaurant-Taunton-Somerset.php |title=The Castle Restaurant |publisher=The Castle Restaurant, Taunton |access-date=11 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322214406/http://www.the-castle-hotel.com/Celebrity-Restaurant-Taunton-Somerset.php |archive-date=22 March 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> * Andy Robinson (born 1964), Taunton-born England rugby union international and head coach, now head coach of Scotland<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/6185090.stm |title=Robinson is forced out by England |date=29 November 2006 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=28 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611011226/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/6185090.stm |archive-date=11 June 2009}}</ref> * Ivor Salter (1925–1991), actor, born in Taunton<ref>{{IMDb name|id=0759068|name=Ivor Salter}}</ref> * Miranda Shearer (born 1982), author born in Taunton, since resident in Spaxton, Over Stowey and Taunton<ref>{{Cite news |title=Miranda Shearer in the Spotlight |newspaper=Bridgwater Mercury |date=9 May 2007 |url=http://www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/news/1385624.Miranda_Shearer_In_The_Spotlight/ |access-date=29 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041928/http://www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/news/1385624.Miranda_Shearer_In_The_Spotlight/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * Hugh Trenchard, 1st Viscount Trenchard (1873–1956), Taunton-born military officer involved in founding the Royal Air Force<ref>{{Cite ODNB |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/36552 |title=Trenchard, Hugh Montague |access-date=19 December 2007 |author=Orange, Vincent |date=May 2006 |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/36552 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154209/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/36552 |archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> * Marcus Trescothick (born 1975), England cricketer, recipient of the Taunton Deane Citizenship Award in 2005<ref>"[https://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2005/09/16/marcus_trescothick_feature.shtml Trescothick receives Citizenship Award] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108224654/http://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2005/09/16/marcus_trescothick_feature.shtml |date= 8 November 2012}}", BBC News, 4 October 2005. Retrieved 12 July 2007</ref> * Sir Charles Trevelyan, 1st Baronet (1807–1886), Governor of Madras, born in Taunton<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/index/101027716/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906162022/http://www.oxforddnb.com/index/101027716/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 September 2012 |title=Trevelyan, Sir Charles Edward, first baronet (1807–1886) |work=Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |publisher=Oxford University Press |access-date=28 October 2009}}</ref> * James Turle (1802–1882) an organist and composer.<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Turle, James |volume= 27 | page= 474 |short= 1}}</ref> * Phil Vickery (born 1961), celebrity chef<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/eating-out--fortress-of-new-english-food-the-castle-hotel-taunton-somerset-1431926.html |title=EATING OUT / Fortress of new English food: The Castle Hotel, Taunton, Somerset |author=John Wells |work=The Independent |location=London |date=27 March 1994 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409121949/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/eating-out--fortress-of-new-english-food-the-castle-hotel-taunton-somerset-1431926.html |archive-date=9 April 2009}}</ref> * David Webster (1931-2003), British television producer and executive<ref>{{cite news |last=Rowland |first=Robert |title=David Webster |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/aug/12/broadcasting.bbc |work=The Guardian |date=12 August 2003 |access-date=14 October 2025}}</ref> * Frederick Porter Wensley (1865–1949), chief constable of Scotland Yard CID, born in Taunton<ref>{{Cite book |title=Forty Years of Scotland Yard: A Record of Lifetime's Service in the Criminal Investigation Department |last=Wensley |first=Frederick Porter |author-link=Frederick Porter Wensley |year=1931 |publisher=Kessinger Publishing |isbn=978-1-4179-8997-3 |page=1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5sgC7G6XnUgC&q=frederick%20porter%20wensley%20taunton&pg=PA1 |access-date=28 October 2009 |archive-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109104905/https://books.google.com/books?id=5sgC7G6XnUgC&q=frederick+porter+wensley+taunton&pg=PA1 |url-status=live}}</ref> * David Henry Wilson (born 1937), writer known for children's stories such as the ''Jeremy James'' series<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.iblist.com/author8098.htm |title=Author Information: David Henry Wilson |publisher=Internet Book List |access-date=11 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312065635/http://www.iblist.com/author8098.htm |archive-date=12 March 2008}}</ref> * Jeremy Wright (born 1972), born in Taunton and attending Taunton School, became Attorney General for England and Wales and a Conservative MP<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Jeremy |url=https://www.jeremywright.org.uk/about-jeremy |publisher=Jeremy Wright |access-date=18 January 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131184739/https://www.jeremywright.org.uk/about-jeremy |archive-date=31 January 2017}}</ref>
==Twinning== Taunton is twinned with: * Lisieux, France<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://somersetgateway.somerset.gov.uk/records/OrganisationRecord.jsp?display=31837&query=_type:%22Organisation%22%20AND%20%28%22Twin%20towns%20and%20villages%22%29&general=%22Twin+towns+and+villages%22&category=Search%20All&type=Organisation&hitsPerPage=10&doc=5&maxdoc=7&defaultor=false&defaultfield=_body&searchMode=quick |title=Taunton Deane – Lisieux Civic Twinning Link |publisher=Somerset County Council |access-date=22 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103184107/http://somersetgateway.somerset.gov.uk/records/OrganisationRecord.jsp?display=31837&query=_type%3A%22Organisation%22%20AND%20%28%22Twin%20towns%20and%20villages%22%29&general=%22Twin+towns+and+villages%22&category=Search%20All&type=Organisation&hitsPerPage=10&doc=5&maxdoc=7&defaultor=false&defaultfield=_body&searchMode=quick |archive-date=3 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="TauntonCouncilTwinning">{{cite web |title=Town Twinning |url=https://www.taunton-tc.gov.uk/town-twinning/ |publisher=Taunton Town Council |access-date=1 September 2023}}</ref> – since 1951 * Königslutter, Germany<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.friends-of-taunton.de/en/koenigslutter.html |title=Twin Town Königslutter |publisher=Friends of Taunton |access-date=22 February 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508115931/http://www.friends-of-taunton.de/en/koenigslutter.html |archive-date=8 May 2009}}</ref><ref name="TauntonCouncilTwinning" /> – since 1992
== See also == * {{Portal-inline|Somerset}}
== Notes == {{notelist|30em}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Taunton, Somerset}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20111003011204/http://visionofbritain.org.uk/place/place_page.jsp?p_id=508&st=TAUNTON Social, economic and political data on Taunton from the Vision of Britain website] * [http://www.taunton.uk.com Taunton regeneration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007005432/http://www.taunton.uk.com/ |date=7 October 2017 }}
{{Taunton Deane}} {{Somerset}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Taunton Category:County towns in England Category:Market towns in Somerset Category:Towns in Taunton Deane Category:Civil parishes in Somerset