Taunton is the county town of Somerset. The town has its origins in the Saxon period and was a prime location in the Civil War and during the Monmouth Rebellion. The mediaeval Castle is now the Town and County museum housing the county’s treasures plus the Museum of the Somerset Regiment. Almshouses and several grand churches are also a legacy of this era. Much development took place in the Georgian era when many of the ancient buildings were refaced in the new style reflecting a time of prosperity. With the development of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, and the arrival of the railways, industry came into the town mainly along the river. As housing increased so did the need for the infrastructure associated with a county town and the Shire Hall, courts, hospitals, churches, schools and leisure buildings were developed such as the Brewhouse Theatre and County Cricket Ground. In 2017 Taunton was granted the status of a Garden Town by the Government, with plans to develop new housing areas and spaces into a town fit for the 21st century.
Taunton in 50 Buildings explores the history of the county town of Somerset through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. The book will appeal to all those who live in Taunton or who have an interest in the area.