The Art of Somerset

Taunton The County Town of Somerset a busy regional shopping town, with a good range of shops in the centre, and out-of-town shopping complex which also has cinemas and 10 pin bowling. There is a horse racing course just south west on the B3170.
In 1497 Perkin Warbeck seized the town and said he was King Richard IV, the town was also involved in the Civil War and Monmouth's rebellion.
The town has some old pubs, and a few old streets such as Hammet Street with its 18th century houses, near the church.
There are excellent places to visit. Wonderful gardens, one comes to mind is Hestercombe.
A 50 acres of Grade I listed gardens cover over three centuries of garden history.
The gardens comprise 20th century formal gardens and a Georgian pleasure ground.
The formal gardens, completed in 1906, were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and planted
by Gertrude Jeykll. Hestercombe is a classic example of the work of the famous partnership and have been carefully restored by Somerset County Council.
There are terraces and iris-fringed pools.
A pergola is covered with clematis, honeysuckle and roses.
Lutyens' orangery and circular garden, with a round pond in the middle, are particularly stunning.
His eye for detail ensures that every flight of steps and seat fits perfectly into the scheme.

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The Art world is well represented. Many fine local artist are scattered around the Taunton Deane area.

I already have a couple of pictures from Amy Howlett. And there are plenty of open houses and exhibitions to view a number of excellent artist.
Theatre and Music: We have a few venues around the area. The Brewhouse. Their full and varied live programme caters for all ages and includes a wide range of touring music, drama, children's theatre, dance, opera, ballet and comedy, culminating in the spectacular annual family Christmas show. They also operate an extensive education and outreach programme of youth and community activity which provides people with the opportunity for creative expression and cultural development.

Another Venue is the Tacci Morris Arts Centre in partnership with Somerset County Council and HeathfieldCommunity School, recently completed this 250 seat Theatre

with Dance, Drama and Music Studios, to form a Centre for Performing Arts.
Unfortunately this area does not seem to attract big established name,

but that us something that I aiming to change.

Sport also figures down here in deepest Somerset. No not Football "Cricket"

Somerset County Cricket Club They always seems to flatter to deceive. (how to turn victory in to a glorious defeat)
However they did win the Twenty20 Cup this year. And with the renewed excitement generated from the Ashes. Crowds flock in to see the Somerset Sabres.
So you see quite a lot to see and do around this area, and the M5 gives good access north and south, the A358 will take to The West Somerset railway at Bishops Lydeard

and on up to Exmoor.