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Taunton, Somerset, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:East_Street_-_Taunton_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1251484.jpgAuthor: Nick Chipchase
Taunton is the county town of Somerset, England. With a population of some 75,000 people (2012 estimate), it is also the largest town in Somerset.
The name Taunton is actually a contraction of "town on the River Tone". Its written history goes back over a thousand years, while evidence of habitation goes back even further, to the Bronze and Iron Ages. During the Roman period, there was a farm here while the Romans established a village in the present-day suburb of Holway.
After the Romans withdrew from Britain, the area was taken over by the Saxons, who established a town here. The King of Wessex built an earthen castle in the area around AD700. By AD 904, Taunton already had a monastery. By the time of the Norman Conquest, Taunton had become a prosperous borough with a population of some 1,500 people.
Taunton Castle: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taunton_Castle.JPGAuthor: Rodw
The status of county town for Somerset moved from Ilchester to Somerton, and then in 1366 to Taunton. The town witness heavy fighting during the 1451 War of the Roses and the 1644-45 Siege of Taunton, when it was defended by Admiral Robert Blake. In 1685, James Scott, the 1st Duke of Monmouth, crowned himself King of England at Taunton. He was eventually defeated and executed for treason.
Taunton experienced development and industrialization with the arrival of the Great Western Canal in 1839 and the Bridgwater and railway in 1842. In the 21st century, it embarked on a number of big regeneration projects, to help Taunton maintain its position as the main business hub for South West England.
Visiting Taunton
From London, take the M4 motorway to Junction 20, then continue west on the M5 motorway. Exit the M5 at Junction 25 to Taunton.
War Memorial at Taunton, Somerset, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:War_Memorial_and_Fore_Street,_Taunton_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1235408.jpgAuthor: Ken Grainger
Places of Interest in Taunton
- Gray's Almshouses: Home for poor single women founded by Robert Gray in 1615. A building here used as chapel is today a Grade I listed heritage building.
- Taunton Castle: Castle dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The site was once occupied by a priory. The present castle dates back to the Norman period. Construction started in 1107.
- Vivary Park: 7.5-hectare public park in Taunton. The Sherford Stream flows through it.
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