DAY 1 of A Four day break in Ilminster, taking in Taunton en route.

11 Oct

I have driven past the motorway exit to Taunton many times but never felt tempted to visit Somerset’s county town. However, we decided to break our journey to The Shrubbery Hotel Ilminster, at Taunton. Choosing the Gateway Park and Ride proved to be a good option and avoided the hassle of driving into the town and finding somewhere to park.

A pound each way to and from the town centre.

First port of call was a coffee stop, almost opposite the bus stop – The Bakery, housed in a former Royal Bank of Scotland.

A much needed break after the drive down the M5 which was smooth and uneventful – good coffee,too.

Much of the centre is semi pedestrianised and we were soon struck by a number of interesting buildings.

Taunton was the first place in the UK to be permanently lit by electric street lighting.

We were only planning on a couple of hours, to include a picnic, ideally in a green spot and by pure chance we happened upon part of the town’s Heritage Trail, by taking a random turn down an alley into Bath Place – a row of original 19th century shop frontages and small mansions.

This opened out on to a main road and Mitre House.

We soon found ourselves following the River Tone after which the town is named.

Our next stop on this section of the Trail was the Castle, which now housed the Somerset County Museum.

“Housed in Taunton’s historic castle, the Museum of Somerset tells the county’s fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day. Within the 12th century castle walls you’ll find contemporary gallery spaces and great family visitor facilities, all situated within the town centre. With an amazing nine themed galleries, each with its own distinctive character, there’s something for everyone to discover. Our ‘must see’ exhibits include a 200 million year old Plesiosaur fossil (a type of marine reptile); the impressive Low Ham Roman mosaic; the Frome Hoard and a stunning Bronze Age Gold Torc. The museum also houses The Somerset Military Museum.” Maybe next time!

We then came to the Weir which was perfect for an alfresco lunch on a nearby bench.

Some very well,placed riverside retirement flats opposite.

We crossed this lovely bridge and made our way back towards the bus stop.

With St James’ church in the background which was not open so I wasn’t able to discover any possible Camino links.

Closer to the town centre – the Taunton Minster’ striking tower.

The foundations of Taunton Minster, St Mary Magdalene church, were probably laid in the early eighth century when Ina, king of the West Saxons established Christianity in Taunton.
The church was first built in stone as part of the reorganisation of Taunton by Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, by 1180. St Mary’s became the town church in 1308 when Bishop Hazelshaw of Winchester changed its legal standing from a chapel of Taunton Priory to a church with its own ‘living’; the Revd Simon de Lyme became its first incumbent. This was achieved through a legal process known as the ‘Ordination of the vicarage’.
The church is mainly built of sandstone and has a painted interior, except for the ‘forest’ of pillars which line the four aisles – a rare feature in a parish church. Most of the statues and stained glass date from the Victorian restoration.

Then it was a short wait for the bus back to the ParknRide. What struck me about Taunton during this short saunter, was what an interesting and well kept town it was, with the added attractions of tempting shops, restaurants and pubs.