Built between 1521 and 1522, the Municipal Hall was the last addition to the Town Castle and its fortifications which date back to 1138. Those buildings formed the administrative centre to the Bishop's huge estate, tenants paid their rents, bailiffs gave their orders and stewards held courts. 

The bailiff of the castle recorded that a sum of £226 5s 10d was spent on making ‘a house called le scolehouse’.

Known as Taunton Grammar School, the Hall was the main schoolroom. The Grammar School was in use from 1522 - 1870. Between 1532 and 1545 there were as many as 160 schoolboys in the Hall at any one time, learning mainly Latin.

Records show that when a young man came to help the master in 1738, (to teach Latin grammar) he received his board, lodging and £5 a year!

These young men were mainly the sons of local merchants. You can see boys’ names and initials carved in the stone surrounding the windows.

The boys who lived out of town slept in the dormitory which is on the first floor of the building, now the Borough Council's old Committee Room.

The room next door, now the Mayor's Parlour used to be the Headmaster's room.

The Hall was badly damaged by Colonel Blake in the siege of Taunton in 1644 and 1645, in a battle against the Kings Forces, but after building works were completed the school re-opened and continued to operate until the school finally closed in 1885.

The Castle Moat used to run along the road directly in front of the Old Municipal Buildings, now called Corporation Street.  

Although it is not immediately obvious from the outside, the portion of the building to the east (right) of the main door is original, whilst the portion to the west (left) of the door was added as recently as 1904.

A staircase adjoins the Hall and the Committee Room. In the centre of the window Taunton Borough’s common seal is depicted, and is thought to be based on that of the City of Exeter. It is known to have been used in 1509, but may date as early as the 13th Century.

Over the fireplaces in the Committee Room is the motto of Bishop Richard Fox-EST DEO GRATIA-which translates as THANKS BE TO GOD.

There are souvenirs from our sister town, Taunton, Massachusetts, USA; and also from HMS Hecate, including the ships bell and photographs of distinguished visitors to the town.

There are numerous paintings and portraits throughout the building, some of immense size and beauty.

In 1885 the school closed and 2 years later Taunton’s corporation took over the empty buildings.

For the next century the school house and its extensions became the home of the town's Municipal Government; the Schoolroom, a splendid meeting place and the upper room, (boys dormitory) a council chamber.

Taunton Deane District Council was inaugurated on 7 June 1973.

The ‘Borough’ charter was granted on 10 March 1975.

Over the years the role of the Council expanded, and The Deane House opened in 1987.

In June 1987 Her Royal Highness the Princess Margaret formally opened a new phase of life for the Old Municipal Buildings, unveiling a plaque in the main foyer.

The Old Municipal Building has earned its status as Grade II* Listed Building and Ancient Monument.

Even the raised terrace, elaborate bronze lamps and steps outside have been listed as Grade II buildings, both granted in 1933.

Since 1987 the greater part of the building has been home to many voluntary bodies, which care for the needs of the people of Taunton Deane. They use the office rooms to conduct their daily business.

The Mayor uses the room known as the mayors parlour for meetings, and to conduct related council business, and makes full use of the Committee Room and Hall to host a variety of Civic Functions ie: Dinner & Dance, Remembrance Day Ceremony, Taunton in Bloom, etc.

The Hall and Committee Room retain a wealth of character and atmosphere, with wooden panelling, leaded lights, beautiful fireplaces and historic portraits. A real community asset!

Both rooms are available to hire on a daily basis, and can provide the perfect setting for a whole range of needs, with competitive prices and central location.

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