About Taunton
With a history dating back to before Saxon times, Taunton is home to many ancient pieces of interesting architecture.
One particularly fine example is the Norman Taunton Castle, which was built in the twelfth century and subsequently refurbished in a Georgian style in the eighteenth century, now housing the Somerset County Museum that among other things charts the castle's chequered history. The listed Gray's Almshouses are also worth a visit - dating back to the seventeenth century, these red brick buildings are steeped in local history and house many original artefacts.
The Somerset County Cricket Ground, capacity 6500, lies in Taunton and many of the greats of the first-class game have plied their trade here at one time or another, in fact there is a stand named after Ian Botham and one of the gates into the ground is named after West Indian cricketing legend Vivian Richards. The charming cricket ground is overlooked by the impressive tower of St James' church, forming a picture-postcard backdrop to matches played there.
The town has many retail opportunities, from the outdoor market to several bustling shopping centres for those seeking the tranquility of open parkland, the beautiful Vivary Park is the most popular of Taunton's public open spaces. Offering sporting facilities such as tennis courts and a golf course, attractive fountains, a war memorial and children's play areas alongside glorious green spaces, it's the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by.
