Museum of Somerset (Taunton Castle)

The earliest castle on this site dates from 710, although this was a rudimentary structure that only stood for 12 years. However, Queen Frithungyth (wife of King Æthelheard of Wessex) and the Bishops of Wessex built a manor house here not long afterwards and this had developed into a castle by the early 12th century.

Nowadays, the outer ward of the castle is now occupied by The Castle Hotel and the 12th-century Great Hall is home to the Museum of Somerset.

What to see at the Museum of Somerset (Taunton Castle)

The castle is a Grade I-listed building that includes displays of local history including several significant archaeological artefacts.

The highlight of the museum’s collection is the Frome Hoard of Roman coins that was discovered near Frome in 2010. This hoard of 52,503 Roman coins is one of the largest hoards to have been discovered in Britain and it is particularly notable as the largest collection of coins issued under the rule of Carausius.

Other notable exhibits at the Museum of Somerset include a mosaic from the Low Ham Roman Villa and the South Cadbury shield, which dates from the Bronze Age.

The museum also incorporates the Somerset Military Museum, which showcases the history of the Somerset Light Infantry.

Visiting the Museum of Somerset (Taunton Castle)

The Museum of Somerset is in the town centre between Corporation Street, North Street and the River Tone. It is easily accessible via the passageway (Castle Bow) next to Fat Face on North Street.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Due to coronavirus-related concerns, you will need to book a timeslot prior to visiting. A visit to the Somerset Military Museum needs to be pre-booked separately even though it is part of the same complex.

Admission is by a £3 donation.

Most areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible, although the Discovery and Singing Galleries need to be accessed via a stairlift.

The museum has its own cafe and gift shop; although the location in the town centre means that there are plenty of other places to eat and drink nearby.

Allow 1–2 hours for your visit.