Taunton Castle
Description
Taunton Castle is a historic castle in the centre of Taunton, Somerset, with origins dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The Normans later built a stone castle on the site, which became the property of the Bishops of Winchester.
The castle played an important role in Somerset’s history, including during the English Civil War, when Taunton was held by Parliamentary forces during a lengthy Royalist siege. In 1685, the Great Hall was also the setting for the notorious Bloody Assizes following the Monmouth Rebellion.
Much of the castle was later rebuilt and restored, but the surviving inner ward and Great Hall retain important medieval features. Today, these buildings form part of the Museum of Somerset, making the castle a great place to explore the history and heritage of the county.