About Taunton, UK

Taunton is a market town and the capital of Somerset.

It is situated on the River Tone, in the valley of Taunton Deane, 45 miles SW of Bristol. It is an old town, whose importance dates back to Saxon times. The Saxon king Ine built a castle at Taunton around 700. William Giffard, bishop of [wincheste], established a priority and built the present castle.