Taunton, St John the Evangelist

With its distinctive spire and tiled roof designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, contrasting with the more familiar Somerset towers, St John's church attracts visitors from near and far. Some come for the fine wrought-iron chancel screen depicting, amongst other things, the animals entering Noah's Ark; others want to see the solid gold-leaf high altar frontal; yet others the carved wood font cover; and some for the stained glass windows. The church is also renowned for its Father Willis organ and hosts occasional organ recitals.

All visitors receive a warm welcome and leave commenting on the sense of peace and tranquillity that they have found in a building so close to the town centre. The foundations were laid in 1858 and work was completed with the Dedication in 1863. From the outset, all pews in the church were free, provided for the 'poor people' of Taunton living in the Tangier area. Today, the congregation seeks to continue that tradition of opening its doors to all - both the thousands who pass the church daily on their way to the Castle School and the Somerset College of Arts and Technology, the Musgrove Park hospital, the Crown Court which holds its sessions in Shire Hall opposite the church and the new magistrates Courts just down the road, County Hall, the Castle Hotel and the numerous bed and breakfast guest houses, and also to the many hundreds of tourists who come to Taunton from around the world.

There is a small, private church car park adjacent to the church and a larger, public car park at the bottom of the road which can be accessed from the Wellington Road or from Corporation Street.

Postcode: TA1 4AZ

Email: scat.chap@virgin.net

Opening Times
Monday, 12noon - 2pm
May - September

Service Times

Sunday	10am	Sung Eucharist
Wednesday	10am	Said Eucharist
Holy Days	7.30pm	Sung Eucharist