The Museum of Somerset

The Museum of Somerset Set in the heart of Taunton, The Museum of Somerset lies within the 12th century Taunton Castle. The museum also houses the Somerset Military Museum.
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Set in the heart of Taunton, The Museum of Somerset lies within the 12th century Taunton Castle and tells the county’s fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day, using real objects, interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present. From an under-floor Plesiosaur, to the largest collection of Roman coins ever discovered

in Britain, in a single pot, and a chilling recreation of the infamous Bloody Assizes – The Museum of Somerset is a must-see visitor attraction. It contains objects from across many of the museum’s collections, including geology, archaeology, medieval and ethnography. As well as the permanent galleries, the museum offers regularly changing exhibitions and activities such as family drop-in sessions and ‘talk and tea’ with curators or special guests. There is a programme of special events, including evening talks, music and outdoor theatre. The Museum of Somerset is part of The South West Heritage Trust; a new independent charity committed to protecting and celebrating Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage. The Trust brings together services previously provided by Somerset and Devon County Councils, who remain our main funders. Services include the widely-praised Museum of Somerset, Somerset Rural Life Museum, and state-of-the-art facilities in Taunton and Exeter to care for the extraordinary archive collections of the two counties. We also provide essential advice about the historic environment and manage historic sites including the remarkable Cothelstone Hill in Somerset. For more information:

http://museumofsomerset.org.uk/

www.swheritage.org.uk

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PROMOTIONS: Any promotion or competition run on this page is by the South West Heritage Trust and administered in accordance with Facebook's T & Cs> https://www.facebook.com/page_guidelines.php

05/06/2026

A slow day out in Taunton… done 🎨
Want to do more than just visit the Life in Art: Roger Fry exhibition?
Stroll through independent shops, stop for great coffee, enjoy some seriously good food, and take in everything the town has to offer.🍕🛍️
Make a day of it. Save this for your next day trip📌

Ever wondered which parts of history took place right where you walk?🏦Town Tours🏢- gain unique insights about Taunton's ...
03/06/2026

Ever wondered which parts of history took place right where you walk?

🏦Town Tours🏢- gain unique insights about Taunton's history

Focus Town Tour: Bath Place
📝From the Middle Ages, Bath Place was the main thoroughfare to the west of the town until 1894. Learn about Taunton's social history including the beginnings of adult education.
📆Thursday 11 June, 1:00pm
🚶This tour covers a shorter route with less walking which may suit visitors with less mobility. Approximately 1 hour long

Taunton Town Tours: Civil War and Religion
📝Concentrating on the first English Civil War which began in 1642, learn about the role of Taunton Castle, the town and Somerset during the conflict.
📆Friday 19 June, 11:00am
🚶This tour is approximately 2 hours long

Focus Town Tour: Castle Green
📝An exploration of Castle Green, looking at its history from Saxon origins to art deco design through its beautiful buildings and events that occurred there.
📆Saturday 27 June, 11:00am
🚶This tour covers a shorter route with less walking which may suit visitors with less mobility. Approximatley 1 hour long

Town Tours: Taunton and Monmouth
📝Learn about the arrival of the Duke of Monmouth into Taunton, and the impact on the town after the battle of Sedgemoor.
📆Tuesday 30 June, 11:00am
🚶This tour is approximately 2 hours long

Can't make it? Don't worry there are plenty more dates for you across the summer, as well as even more tours to discover!

Head to our website to find out more...

02/06/2026

South West Heritage Trust hasacquired the stunning Ilminster Ring and Hoard💍🪙

This extraordinary find includes a ring sent with a finely engraved gemstone, depicting the goddess Victory driving a two-horse chariot. 🐎

Weighing 48 grams, it is unusually large and exquisitely crafted. A truly remarkable piece of Roman history found here in Somerset!

Thanks to support from Arts Council England , Art Fund , The Headley Trust alongside the Friends of The Museum of Somerset, Ilminster Town Counicl, Taunton U3A and Ilminster Education Foundation, it will now be conserved and later go on display at The Museum of Somerset.

You will also be able to see it take centre stage this summer as part of a new community programme 👥

The Museum was delighted to welcome GoCreate Taunton artists Liz Hutchin and Caitlin Pengelly for a fantastic family pri...
01/06/2026

The Museum was delighted to welcome GoCreate Taunton artists Liz Hutchin and Caitlin Pengelly for a fantastic family print‑making workshop. A huge thank‑you to everyone who joined us — the colourful, creative tote bags you made were absolutely brilliant!

✨ Toddler Explorers incoming! - A Movement and dance-focussed session🕺💃Toddler Explorers: Roger Fry next Friday! Don't f...
29/05/2026

✨ Toddler Explorers incoming! - A Movement and dance-focussed session🕺💃

Toddler Explorers: Roger Fry next Friday! Don't forget to book your space 💛

💃Dance & move around the museum like an art critic with Somerset dance artist Asha Pathy-Barker, and hear the story I Am An Artist (Marta Altés). This session is inspired by the Roger Fry art exhibition, and your ticket includes entry to the exhibition.

📅Friday 5 June
📍Museum of Somerset
🕦 10:30 & 1:30
👶Aimed at ages 1-3years

27/05/2026

3 modernism tricks you can steal from Roger Fry👀🤫

🌟 We’re Hiring – Fundraising Manager 🏛️This is an exciting opportunity to join the South West Heritage Trust at a pivota...
26/05/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring – Fundraising Manager 🏛️

This is an exciting opportunity to join the South West Heritage Trust at a pivotal time and play a key role in strengthening our long-term financial sustainability. As our first dedicated fundraising professional, you’ll help shape and grow our charity fundraising activity.

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated individual who can work collaboratively across the organisation to identify and secure funding from trusts and foundations, develop individual giving and legacy support, and establish effective systems to support fundraising success.

You’ll build a strong pipeline of opportunities to support exhibitions, learning programmes, collections work, and the Trust’s wider strategic priorities. This is a varied and rewarding role that calls for excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, can-do approach.

Key Information
📍 Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton
⏰ Hours of Work: 37 hours per week
📝 Contract: One year fixed-term
📅 Closing Date: 9am, Monday 1 June 2026

Apply Now ⬇️
To read the full job description and apply, please visit our website
Please note that CVs are not accepted as applications.

The South West Heritage Trust is committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups within the heritage sector.

👜🎨 Don’t forget to book for this Friday’s family workshop!Our Print Like Fry: Design Your Own Tote Bag workshop is a bri...
24/05/2026

👜🎨 Don’t forget to book for this Friday’s family workshop!

Our Print Like Fry: Design Your Own Tote Bag workshop is a brilliant way for families to explore art, try something new, and make something you’ll be proud to take home.

We'll treat you to a short guided tour of Roger Fry's exhibition for inspiration. Then you can carve your own printing block and use it to print a unique tote bag — a hands‑on experience led by the fantastic artists at GoCreate.

📅 Friday 29 May
🕥 10:30–12:30
Ages 5–15

Secure your spot before it fills ➜ swheritage.org.uk/events/family-workshops/

🎨👜 Get creative this half‑term at the Museum of Somerset!Print Like Fry: Design Your Own Tote Bag At this family worksho...
22/05/2026

🎨👜 Get creative this half‑term at the Museum of Somerset!
Print Like Fry: Design Your Own Tote Bag

At this family workshop kids can design and print their very own tote bag in a hands‑on workshop inspired by Roger Fry’s bold, expressive style.
Carve a printing block, ink it up, and take home a unique tote bag — guided by GoCreate Taunton.
📅 Friday 29 May
🕥 10:30–12:30
Ages 5–15
👉Book the last spaces ➜ swheritage.org.uk/events/family-workshops/

Visit Somerset Somerset Live Taunton Parents Taunton Town Council

22/05/2026

👜✨ Design Your Own Tote Bag — 29 May
A hands‑on family workshop where kids carve a printing block and print their own tote inspired by Roger Fry.
Ages 5–15 | 10:30–12:30
Last spaces — https://swheritage.org.uk/events/family-workshops/

Address

Castle Green
Taunton
TA14AA

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

01823 255088

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