View source for Taunton

{{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 [[Taunton Minster|Minster]] on the right, [[Municipal Buildings, Taunton|Municipal Buildings]], [[The Crescent, Taunton|The Crescent]], [[Vivary Park]], [[Taunton Shire Hall|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 = 60,479
| population_ref = (2011 census)<ref name="nomisweb.co.uk">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/query/asv2htm.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-date=30 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930205650/https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/query/asv2htm.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>
| civil_parish = Taunton
| unitary_england = [[Somerset Council]]
| lieutenancy_england = [[Somerset]]
| region = South West England
| constituency_westminster = [[Taunton and Wellington (UK Parliament constituency)|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)|minster church]]. Its population in 2011 was 64,621.<ref name="2011census">{{Cite web |title=2011 Census Key Statistics tables |url=http://www.ncurryactiongroup.org.uk/Supplements/core_Strategy_settlements_parishes_and_BUAs.pdf |work=ONS 2011 census data |publisher=North Curry Action Group |access-date=20 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320190358/http://www.ncurryactiongroup.org.uk/Supplements/core_Strategy_settlements_parishes_and_BUAs.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2014}}</ref> Its thousand-year history includes a 10th-century [[priory|monastic foundation]], owned by the [[Bishop of Winchester|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 [[James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth|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, Taunton|St Mary Magdalene]] parish church was elevated to the status of [[St Mary Magdalene, Taunton|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>

==History==
[[File:taunton.somerset.750pix.jpg|alt=Street scene showing roads and shops around a stone cross.|thumb|The War Memorial and town centre, Taunton]]

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 Age|Bronze]] and [[Iron Age]] settlement and a [[Roman Britain|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-Saxons|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 (coin)|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"/>

[[File:Taunton Cross.jpg|thumb|left|Taunton Cross c. 1770]]

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 [[Bishop of Winchester|bishops of Winchester]] owned the manor, and obtained the first charter for their "men of Taunton" from [[Edward the Elder|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 [[Burgess (word)|burgesses]]<ref name="bush"/> governed by a [[portreeve]] appointed by the bishops. [[Somerton, Somerset|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)|Taunton Deane]] [[Hundred (county subdivision)|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 [[Thomas de Courtenay, 13th Earl of Devon|Earl of Devon]], and [[Baron Bonville]].<ref name="bush"/> [[Margaret of Anjou|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 of England|Henry VII]] sent his chief general - [[Giles Daubeney, 1st Baron Daubeney|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&nbsp;– 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>

[[Taunton Castle]] changed hands several times in the [[English Civil War|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 (admiral)|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 [[James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth|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>

[[File:Taunton road map1948.jpg|alt=An old map showing the main roads and the river in the town.|thumb|A road map of Taunton from 1948]]

The town lacked a charter of incorporation until 1627.<ref name="briefhist"/> This was renewed in 1677, but lapsed in 1792 due to vacancies in the corporate body, and was not reincorporated until 1877. 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, Taunton|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>
[[File:Taunton from the Canal - 267-1989-67.jpg|thumb|''Taunton from the Canal'', watercolour on paper by Harry Frier in 1899]]
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. [[British anti-invasion preparations of World War II|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>

[[Taunton sleeping car fire|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===
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>

[[File:New bridge Tangier Taunton.JPG|thumb|Tangier Way bridge under construction in 2011]]
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&nbsp;– 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>

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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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>

==Governance==
Taunton is governed by a [[Parish council (England)|parish/town council]] and the [[Unitary authorities of England|unitary authority]] of [[Somerset Council]].

===Parish / Town Council===
A large part of the town was [[Unparished area|unparished]] from the 1974 local government reorganisation until 1 April 2023, when a new Parish Council came into being following a Community Governance Review held by Somerset West and Taunton 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>

While the town was unparished, [[Charter Trustees]] made up of the district councillors representing wards in the unparished area elected a [[Mayor]] and Deputy Mayor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.somerset.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/charter-trustees/|title=Charter Trustees|publisher=Somerset Council|accessdate=6 May 2023}}</ref>

The first elections to the new parish council were held on 4 May 2023 with 19 [[Liberal Democrat]] councillors and one [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] councillor being elected to represent 14 wards. The council formally resolved to adopt the style of a Town Council at its first meeting.<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>

===Borough Council===
[[File:The Old Grammar School, Corporation Street, Taunton - geograph.org.uk - 1235403.jpg|thumb|The old [[Municipal Buildings, Taunton|Municipal Buildings]]]]
Taunton was the main settlement and centre of the [[Non-metropolitan district|local government district]] of [[Taunton Deane]]. The district, formed on 1 April 1974 under the [[Local Government Act 1972]], by merging the [[municipal borough]] of Taunton, [[Wellington, Somerset|Wellington]] [[Urban district (Great Britain and Ireland)|urban district]], [[Taunton Rural District]], and [[Wellington Rural District (Somerset)|Wellington Rural District]], was granted [[borough status in England and Wales|borough status]] in 1975, perpetuating the mayoralty of Taunton.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/council/civicdignitaries/civicdignitarie?rid=/guid/00be10cb-8c52-2c10-e0ac-fd8b99199cf8 |title=About the Mayor |publisher=Taunton Deane Borough Council |access-date=23 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606223032/http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/council/civicdignitaries/civicdignitarie?rid=%2Fguid%2F00be10cb-8c52-2c10-e0ac-fd8b99199cf8 |archive-date=6 June 2011}}</ref> The district was named as an alternate form of the [[Taunton (hundred)|Taunton hundred]]. Taunton Deane Council, once based at the [[Municipal Buildings, Taunton|Municipal Buildings]] in Corporation Street,<ref>{{NHLE |desc=Municipal Building (West End) Municipal Buildings (East End) (incorporating The Old Grammar School) |num=1060041 |access-date=22 February 2021}}</ref> moved to modern facilities at Deane House on Belvedere Road in spring 1987.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/18923269.historic-taunton-building-torn-replaced-new-green-space/ |title=Historic Taunton building could be torn down and replaced with new green space |date=5 December 2020 |newspaper=County Gazette |access-date=22 February 2021 |archive-date=26 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226035137/https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/18923269.historic-taunton-building-torn-replaced-new-green-space/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette |issue=50852 |page=3068 |date=6 March 1987}}</ref>

Taunton Deane merged with [[West Somerset]] to form [[Somerset West and Taunton]] in 2019,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Somerset councils merger approved despite criticism |work=BBC News |date=20 March 2018 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-43472427 |access-date=20 March 2018 |archive-date=26 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326093740/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-43472427 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Simmons |first1=Alice |title=Taunton Deane and West Somerset vote in favour of council merger |url=http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/16097965.Taunton_Deane_and_West_Somerset_vote_in_favour_of_council_merger/ |access-date=20 March 2018 |work=Somerset County Gazette |date=19 March 2018 |archive-date=20 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320005429/http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/16097965.Taunton_Deane_and_West_Somerset_vote_in_favour_of_council_merger/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/649/contents/made |title=The Somerset West and Taunton (Local Government Changes) Order 2018 |author=Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government |date=24 May 2018 |access-date=2018-05-28 |website=legislation.gov.uk |archive-date=16 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416040221/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/649/contents/made |url-status=live}}</ref>
and was abolished on 1 April 2023 when Somerset Council took over.<ref name=unitary />

===Former County Council===
[[File:County Hall, Taunton.jpg|alt=Red brick building with a curved façade seen across roads.|thumb|left|[[County Hall, Taunton|County Hall]], The Crescent]]
[[Somerset County Council]], which was based at [[County Hall, Taunton|County Hall]] in Taunton from 1974-2023, consisted of 55 councillors. The town  has broadly six electoral divisions, each of which had a single county councillor: Taunton North; Taunton East; Taunton South; Bishop’s Hull & Taunton West; Comeytrowe & Trull, Monkton & North Curry (which includes rural areas).

On 1 April 2023, Somerset's county council and four district councils were replaced by a single [[Unitary authorities of England|unitary authority]] called [[Somerset Council]] with elections for the new authority's 110 councillors (two per electoral division) having taken place on 5 May 2022.<ref name=unitary >{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=Government confirms new 'unitary' Somerset Council |url=https://newsomersetcouncil.org.uk/government-confirms-new-unitary-somerset-council/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=New Somerset Council |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New Somerset Council {{!}} The Future of Local Government in Somerset |url=https://newsomersetcouncil.org.uk/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=New Somerset Council |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Parliament===
[[Taunton and Wellington (UK Parliament constituency)|Taunton and Wellington]] is a [[county constituency]] of the [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]]. It is based on the town, but extends to [[Wellington, Somerset|Wellington]]. The current MP is [[Gideon Amos]] of the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.libdems.org.uk/mps/taunton-and-wellington |title=Gideon Amos - Taunton and Wellington |website=libdems.org.uk |access-date=2024-08-03}}</ref>

==Geography==
Taunton lies on the [[River Tone]] between the [[Quantock Hills|Quantock]], [[Blackdown Hills National Landscape|Blackdown]], and [[Brendon Hills|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, Somerset|Wells]], '''[[Bath, Somerset|Bath]]''', '''[[Bristol]]'''
|West      = [[Wiveliscombe]], [[Dulverton]], [[Barnstaple]]
|Centre    = Taunton
|East      = [[Langport]], [[Somerton, Somerset|Somerton]], [[Yeovil]]
|Southwest = [[Wellington, Somerset|Wellington]], [[Tiverton, Devon|Tiverton]], '''[[Exeter]]''', '''[[Plymouth]]'''
|South     = [[Honiton]]
|Southeast = [[Ilminster]], [[Chard, Somerset|Chard]], [[Crewkerne]], [[Weymouth, Dorset|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, Dorset|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 reserve]]s 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 [[Eurasian otter|otters]] along the banks of the Tone. Birds include the [[common kingfisher|kingfisher]], [[white-throated dipper|dipper]], [[grey wagtail]], [[mute swan]], [[grey heron]], and [[Eurasian reed warbler|reed warbler]]; butterflies include the [[small skipper|small]] and [[large skipper]], [[Melanargia galathea|marbled white]], [[small heath (butterfly)|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 [[Oenanthe crocata|hemlock water-dropwort]] and [[Iris pseudacorus|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 [[invertebrate]]s.<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 [[Allotment (gardening)|allotments]] to rough grassland and [[orchard]]. Among the apples grown are [[Kingston Black Apple|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}}. [[Temperateness|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 [[Low-pressure area|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, Somerset|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>
}}

==Demography==
{|class="wikitable floatright" style="margin-left: 1em; width: 30em;"
|+Population profile<ref name="BANEScensus">{{Cite web |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadDatasetList.do?a=3&b=3567719&c=Somerset&d=180&e=16&g=397814&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1197489822531&enc=1&altAreaId=276833 |title=Key Figures for 2001 Census: Census Area Statistics: Area: Bath and North East Somerset |author=United Kingdom Census 2001 |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |year=2001 |access-date=12 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202142215/http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadDatasetList.do?a=3&b=3567719&c=Somerset&d=180&e=16&g=397814&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1197489822531&enc=1&altAreaId=276833 |archive-date= 2 February 2008}}</ref>
|-
![[United Kingdom Census 2001|UK Census 2001]] ||[[Taunton Deane]]||[[South West England]] ||England
|-
|Total population||102,299||4,928,434||49,138,831
|-
|Foreign born||4.1%||9.4%||9.2%
|-
|White||98.4%||97.7%||91%
|-
|Asian||0.4%||0.7%||4.6%
|-
|Black||0.2%||0.4%||2.3%
|-
|Christian||75.9%||74.0%||72%
|-
|Muslim||0.3%||0.5%||3.1%
|-
|Hindu||0.1%||0.2%||1.1%
|-
|No religion||15.7%||16.8%||15%
|-
|Over 75 years old||9.5%||9.3%||7.5%
|-
|Unemployed||2.4%||2.6%||3.3%
|}
The town of Taunton (which for population estimates includes the [[unparished area]] or former [[municipal borough]] plus the neighbouring parishes of [[Bishop's Hull]], [[Comeytrowe]], [[Norton Fitzwarren]], Staplegrove, [[Trull]] and [[West Monkton]]) had an estimated population of 61,400 in 2001.<ref name=pop>{{Cite web |url=http://www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/statistics/contents/population/mid%20year%20population%20estimates%20for%20towns.pdf |title=Mid Year Population Estimates for Towns |access-date=17 February 2009 |publisher=Somerset County Council |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326190145/http://www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/statistics/contents/population/mid%20year%20population%20estimates%20for%20towns.pdf |archive-date=26 March 2009}}</ref> Taunton includes Holway, once a village in its own right as one of the ''Five [[Hundred (country subdivision)|Hundreds]] of Taunton Deane'', the Infaring division or district of three districts that made up Taunton Deane.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The National Archives &#124; Access to Archives |url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/A2A/records.aspx?cat=168-xwa&cid=-1&Gsm=2008-06-18 |access-date=25 November 2009 |publisher=www.nationalarchives.gov.uk}}{{dead link|date=February 2024|bot=medic}}</ref>

Taunton is the largest town in the Somerset shire county and forms part of the larger [[borough status in the United Kingdom|borough]] of Taunton Deane, which includes the town of [[Wellington, Somerset|Wellington]] and surrounding villages. This had an estimated population of 109,883 in 2010.<ref name="inform.sine.org.uk">{{Cite web |url=http://inform.sine.org.uk/dataviews/tabular?viewId=2&geoId=28&subsetId= |title=Inform Somerset: Population of Districts |access-date=11 July 2012 |work=Population of Districts Tabular View |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626203137/http://inform.sine.org.uk/dataviews/tabular?viewId=2&geoId=28&subsetId= |archive-date=26 June 2015}}</ref>

The figures here are for the Taunton Deane area.
{{Historical populations
| title = Taunton Deane population since 1801
| align = none
<!--| direction = horizontal-->
|1801|33139
|1851|51844
|1901|53759
|1911|55666
|1921|56161
|1931|56661
|1941|62745
|1951|69492
|1961|75320
|1971|81639
|1981|84795
|1991|95791
|2001|102304
|2010|109883
|graph-pos=bottom
| source=A Vision of Britain through Time & Inform Somerset<ref name="inform.sine.org.uk"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/place_page.jsp?p_id=508&st=Taunton%20Deane |title=Taunton Deane: Total Population |access-date=25 November 2009 |work=A Vision of Britain Through Time |publisher=Great Britain Historical GIS Project |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104153800/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/place_page.jsp?p_id=508&st=Taunton%20Deane |archive-date=4 November 2012}}</ref>
}}

In 2011, Taunton built-up area had a population of 60,479<ref name="nomisweb.co.uk"/> and the surrounding borough of Taunton Deane one of 110,187.<ref name="nomisweb.co.uk"/><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ukcensusdata.com/taunton-deane-e07000190#sthash.n8zpuGeq.xqqgRrcg.dpbs |title=Taunton Deane - UK Census Data 2011 |first=Good Stuff IT |last=Services |website=UK Census Data |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-date=14 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314213308/http://www.ukcensusdata.com/taunton-deane-e07000190#sthash.n8zpuGeq.xqqgRrcg.dpbs |url-status=live}}</ref> Of Taunton's residents 91.6 per cent were White British in 2011,<ref name="nomisweb.co.uk"/> compared with 93.4 per cent for Taunton Deane.<ref name="auto"/> Taunton's ethnic mix resembles that of South West England – 91.8 per cent White British in the same year. It is also matches other major regional centres like [[Poole]] and [[Plymouth]]. The larger urban area, extending to [[Monkton Heathfield]], [[Norton Fitzwarren]] and Bathpool, had a 2011 population of 64,621.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/UK-EnglandUA.html?cityid=7284 |title=United Kingdom: Urban Areas in England - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information |website=www.citypopulation.de |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=23 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723152337/https://www.citypopulation.de/UK-EnglandUA.html?cityid=7284 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Taunton carnival 2009 Gemini CC To the Trees cart.jpg|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 (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] body responsible for providing [[navigation]]al and other [[Hydrography|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> Taunton holds the head offices of Western Provident Association, [[Viridor]] and CANDAC.{{Citation needed|date=July 2019}} Other professional services are based at Blackbrook near the motorway junction.

The first store of the multinational [[New Look (clothing retailer)|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&nbsp;– 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> Taunton is also famed for [[cider]].<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>

==Landmarks==
[[File:Graysalmshouses.jpg|alt=Red brick building.|thumb|left|Gray's Almshouses]]
[[Gray's Almshouses, Taunton|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 [[Castle Hotel, Taunton|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, Taunton|''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>

[[File:Fore Street Taunton.jpg|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 the Zinc Nightclub, Bridge Street and Goodlands Gardens. A regeneration programme north of Bridge Street included redeveloping the [[County Ground, Taunton|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> The County Cricket Ground has since hosted some open-air concerts including [[Elton John]] in 2006 and 2012 and [[Rod Stewart]] in 2014.{{citation needed|date=September 2025}}

===Shopping===
Hankridge Farm, a retail park close to the M5 motorway, has stores that include [[PC World (retailer)|Currys PC World]], [[Oak Furniture Land]], [[Hobbycraft]], [[Halfords]], [[B&Q]], [[The Range (retailer)|The Range]] and the town's second [[Sainsbury's]]. There is a Venue in the park with restaurants, an [[Odeon Cinemas|Odeon cinema]] and a [[Hollywood Bowl Group|Hollywood Bowl]] bowling alley. It is now known as Riverside Retail Park.

Taunton has three other such parks. Belvedere is near the town centre. St Johns is just off Toneway, towards the motorway, and consists of two units, occupied by [[DFS (British retailer)|DFS]], joined by Go Outdoors in April 2014. Taunton's second largest retail park is Priory Fields in Priory Avenue, with eight units and an anchor store, [[Wickes]]. It was redeveloped in 2003 to modernise a rather worn-out retail park and increase retail floor space.

The Old Market was a farmers' market in the Parade in front of Market House, but then moved to the Firepool area, although cattle trading on the site ceased only in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2008/01/17/last_taunton_market_feature.shtml |title=Somerset&nbsp;– Places&nbsp;– 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>

County Walk is a small indoor shopping arcade in the town centre with an anchor supermarket, [[Sainsbury's]], and several other large national retailers such as [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]], [[Costa Coffee]], and [[Savers (UK retailer)|Savers]].

===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, Taunton|Jellalabad Barracks]] in the background]]
Taunton's public parks include [[Vivary Park]], Goodlands Park and Victoria Park. The most notable is Vivary, on land that was once a medieval [[fish farming|fish farm]] or ''[[vivarium]]'' for [[Taunton Priory]] and [[Taunton Castle]].<ref name="vivary">{{Cite web |url=http://www.tauntoninbloom.co.uk/vivary_park.html |title=Vivary Park |work=Taunton in Bloom |publisher=Taunton Town Centre Company Ltd & ADK Ltd |access-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626090908/http://www.tauntoninbloom.co.uk/vivary_park.html |archive-date=26 June 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Fronted by a pair of [[cast iron]] gates from the [[Saracen Foundry]] of Glasgow,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wsr.org.uk/newsnov2005.htm |title=News from November 2005 |publisher=West Somerset Railway |date=November 2005 |access-date=26 August 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924112935/http://www.wsr.org.uk/newsnov2005.htm |archive-date=24 September 2008}}</ref> it contains the Sherford Stream, a Tone tributary that flows through the {{Convert|7.5|ha|acre}} park, which is near the town centre.<ref name="greenflag">{{Cite web |url=http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag/GreenFlagAwardSites/SouthWest/Default.aspx?parkID=671 |title=Vivary Park |publisher=Green Flag Award |access-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105220825/http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag/GreenFlagAwardSites/SouthWest/Default.aspx?parkID=671 |archive-date=5 January 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> It has two main open spaces and a [[war memorial]] dating from 1922, a miniature [[golf course]], tennis courts, two children's playgrounds, a [[Rail transport modelling|model railway track]] added in 1979, and an 18-hole, 4620-yard, par-63 golf course.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.golftoday.co.uk/clubhouse/coursedir/somerset/vivarypark.html |title=Vivary Golf |work=Golf Today |access-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119050608/http://golftoday.co.uk/clubhouse/coursedir/somerset/vivarypark.html |archive-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> The park includes trees, rose beds and [[herbaceous border]]s, with some 56,000 spring and summer [[flowerbed|bedding plants]] used each year.<ref name="greenflag"/> The rose garden includes the [[Royal National Rose Society]] Provincial Trial Ground.<ref name="vivary"/> [[Taunton Flower Show]] held annually in the park since the 19th century. It has been described as "The [[Chelsea Flower Show|Chelsea]] of the West",<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tauntonflowershow.co.uk/history_1.shtml |title=History |publisher=Taunton Flower Show |access-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127073920/http://www.tauntonflowershow.co.uk/history_1.shtml |archive-date=27 January 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> and draws some 24,000 visitors over two days.<ref name=eghn>{{Cite web |url=http://cmsen.eghn.org/vivary-garten.html |title=Vivary Park |work=European Garden Heritage Network&nbsp;– EGHN |access-date=18 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723103505/http://cmsen.eghn.org/vivary-garten.html |archive-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> Goodlands Gardens, in the centre of the town, is behind the former [[Debenhams]] department store and [[Castle Hotel, Taunton|The Castle Hotel]].

===Pride Rainbow Path===
[[File:Taunton Pride Path (2021).JPG|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 parade|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 symbols|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/> It was funded by Taunton's Emergency Town Centre Recovery Fund and is intended to reflect Taunton's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
{{clear left}}

==Transport==
===Railway===
[[File:2021 at Taunton station - down side rejuvenated.JPG|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 (train operating company)|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.

[[Go-op]], a co-operatively owned open-access train operating company, have proposed to operate services between {{rws|Swindon}}, Taunton and {{rws|Weston-super-Mare}}. In November 2024, the [[Office of Rail and Road]] gave conditional approval for the proposed services, subject to financial and rolling stock requirements, to begin no later than December 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 November 2024|title=Regulator approves new Go-op train service between Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare |url=https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/regulator-approves-new-go-op-train-service-between-swindon-taunton-and-weston-super |access-date=5 March 2025 |website=Office of Rail and Road}}</ref>

===Road===
Taunton has road links with the [[M5 motorway]] junctions 25 (Taunton) and 26 ([[Wellington, Somerset|Wellington]]) close to the town, and other major roads such as the [[A38 road|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>

====2011 M5 crash====
{{Main|2011 M5 motorway crash}}

On the evening of 4 November 2011, 34 vehicles met with an accident near junction 25 of the [[M5 motorway]] northbound, on the north-eastern edge of the town at [[West Monkton]].<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> Seven people were killed and a further 51 injured.<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>

===Buses and coaches===
[[File:Taunton bus station.JPG|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 [[Hammersmith bus station|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 Coaches|National Express]] runs long-distance coach services to many destinations.

===Air===
The nearest airports are [[Exeter Airport|Exeter]] and [[Bristol Airport|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 &#124; 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 &#124; Routes, maps & traffic updates, UK & Europe |publisher=Rac.co.uk |access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref>

===Trams===
[[File:Taunton single deck tramcar 2 in Fore Street.jpg|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 [[Taunton railway station|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 (Taunton)|King's College]]]]
State secondary schools in Taunton include [[The Castle School Taunton|The Castle School]], [[Monkton Wood Academy]], [[Bishop Fox's School]] and [[The Taunton Academy]]. Further education is offered by [[Richard Huish College, Taunton|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 in the United Kingdom|private schools]]: [[Queen's College, Taunton|Queen's College]], [[King's College (Taunton)|King's College]] and [[Taunton School]].

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 [[The St Augustine of Canterbury School, Taunton|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|[[St Mary Magdalene, Taunton|Taunton Minster Church of St. Mary Magdalene]]|upright]]
[[File:St John Taunton.JPG|thumb|upright|[[St John the Evangelist, Taunton|Church of St John the Evangelist]]]]
The [[St Mary Magdalene, Taunton|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 is the [[Church of St. James, Taunton|parish church of St James]] near the centre of Taunton close. 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> It backs onto the [[County Ground, Taunton|County Ground]].

The church of [[St John the Evangelist's Church, Taunton|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 [[St Andrew's Church, Taunton|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 [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|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 [[looting|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 of England|William III]] and [[Mary II of England|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 III of the United Kingdom|George the Third's]] reign. The chapel retains its original interior, including [[Flanders|Flemish]] oak pillars in [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] style. The [[pew]]s and [[pulpit]] are also in oak. There is an early 18th-century [[candelabra]].

[[St George's Roman Catholic Church, Taunton|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 [[English Reformation|Reformation]], replacing a smaller [[Masonic Hall, Taunton|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.

==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>

Several concerts a year are held 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==
[[File:County ground taunton somerset stand.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|right|Somerset playing Yorkshire at the County Ground]]
[[Taunton R.F.C.|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&nbsp;— 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>

The [[County Ground, Taunton|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 |url=http://taunton.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp |title=Taunton CC&nbsp;– 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.

Taunton Cricket Club has since 2002 been located at the new [[Taunton Vale Sports Club Ground]] in Staplegrove, which features two [[cricket field]]s. The Taunton Vale ground is also a regular home venue for Somerset's Second XI. Taunton Deane Cricket Club has a ground adjacent to Vivary Park, while Taunton St Andrews Cricket Club is based at the nearby Wyvern Sports and Social Club. All three clubs play in the [[West of England Premier League]] or one of its feeder leagues.

[[Taunton Town FC|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 Football League|Southern League]] from 1977, and after a further period in the Western League, returned to the [[Southern Football League|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> The club went on to become the 2021–22 champions of the [[Southern Football League|Southern League Premier Division South]], securing promotion to the [[National League South]] for the first time in the club's history on 23 April 2022.{{cn|date=June 2025}}

[[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>
[[File:Grandstand, Taunton racecourse - geograph.org.uk - 1196101.jpg|thumb|right|The Grandstand at the racecourse]]

[[Taunton Racecourse]] is close to the [[Blackdown Hills National Landscape|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 in the United Kingdom|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&ndash;809 |short= 1}}</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&ndash;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&nbsp;– 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>
* [[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&nbsp;– Soccerbase">{{Cite news |title=Scott Laird&nbsp;– 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 (footballer, born 1987)|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 (poet)|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 (actor)|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), [[Antigua]]n-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 (chef)|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 (broadcasting executive)|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]] [[Criminal Investigation Department|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 [[Adventures with Jeremy James|''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 [[Sister city|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&nbsp;– 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
*  [[Taunton, Massachusetts]], United States{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}

== 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]]