We finally got around to walking the self guided Taunton Hertitage Trail. There are markers on the ground to follow, like this...
The trail goes pretty much around the town centre of Taunton so we worked out that we had in fact already walked most of it before - just never for the heritage reason. We noticed things we never would have seen if we hadn't 'walked the trail!!'
Like this place....
This place has a pretty amazing story. When we first read the following inscription we were in fits of laughter...check out the spelling...
So so funny to think back to the time when 'spelling' had no rules. You know that there was a time... but to see something like that, it really brings it to life.
Anyway so not only is the spelling a total crack up (and I thought I was bad!) but what it says is so amazing, and it's so cool that this sign was put there all those years ago to Honor Robert Gray and his charity work, and it's still there today - doing the same thing... not only honoring him, but this Almshouse is still being used as just that - an Almshouse. It now provides sheltered accommodation for the elderly comprising of 5 singles and 3 double flats.
Imagine if we could all leave a legacy like that. To read more about Grays Almshouses visit this site.
There are hundreds of stories like this one.... I just wish I had time to read about all of them. Here are just a few shots of some of the places along the Taunton Heritage Trail...
This was the town Grammar school, part of which was built in 1522 and cost £226 to build at the time. It was badly damaged in 1645 during the civil war but was restored and continued as a school until 1885.
This is the Castle Hotel built about 1815 by the Easton family to be used as a private 2 storey house. It was first converted into a hotel in 1834 and in the 20th Century the 3rd and 4th floors were added destroying its original concept of being designed to mirror the Winchester Arms.
And a few more pictures of St Mary Magdalene Church, which we go past to get home everyday.
It was such a nice walk and in some ways felt like a bit of a 'date'!!! The kids both fell asleep in the prams for most of the walk so we got to chat about what we wanted to chat about and not be interrupted!!! It was very nice!
I really like Taunton, it's a nice size town with lots of interesting history. It has pretty much everything you need and is in a great location. The South West country is beautiful and we are only a few hours away from most of its coast lines. We are very blessed to be here.
6 comments:
thee ryting looks veri funni. i cant beleeve peepel roat lyke that and that there was not eeni ruls. butt we have ruls and i styl dont no how to ryte or spell words aniway
Great to talk to you all tonight - have a fun Easter visiting London and we hope Uncle Mick has a great Birthday too. xx.
btw - more great pics, love them.
COOL - You must be getting excited for LONDON...have fun. I will miss my chatting buddy but in the back of my mind I know that you'll be back soon..lol
glad you enjoyed learning the history of taunton...and a bonus the girls slept so you and mick could chat :)
i'd love to get away with not being able to spell- it's never been a strong point of mine!
Hey Han, nice post. I feel like we are all getting to experience a bit of Taunton with you.
Thanks for the wake up call this morning too bud...... nothing like having to get out of bed on a public hol cos your brother is ringing from England!!!!!
Have a good week, we'll try and set up the comp camera tonight if we're home from Blanches in time.
Boring. - Leigh
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