The 12th-century Castle stood at the centre of the great Taunton estates of the bishops of Winchester. Its defences were seldom tested until a destructive siege during the Civil War.
It housed the Assizes and Quarter Sessions until 1858. In 1873 it was acquired by Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society who remain its owners.
Visitor information
Address: The Museum of Somerset, Castle Green, Taunton, TA1 4AA
The Castle remains and surround site is a Scheduled Monument. The Castle buildings are also Grade I Listed Buildings.
The Castle is now the home of The Museum of Somerset and can be visited during normal opening hours.