The Mayor (Councillor Potter) and Corporation leaving the Municipal Buildings for Divine Service at St Mary's Church Taunton, Sunday 14th November 1920.

Pageant re-enacting some of the historic events associated with the town. The Civic Anthem "Defendamus" was composed especially for this event.

Copy of Gaumont British Newsreel showing the visit of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in1952, when he officially opened what was then known by many as Raleigh Terrace playing field: though properly known as Taunton Green playing field.

Twinning developed after the Second World War when there was a movement to promote friendship and understanding and to avert the dangers of hostility between countries. Twinning has spread rapidly, especially in Europe and has helped to promote European integration. Taunton's links with Lisieux go back over 50 years. This film features the signing of the original twinning Charter during the Whitsun visit 1955.

Twinning developed after the Second World War when there was a movement to promote friendship and understanding and to avert the dangers of hostility between countries. Twinning has spread rapidly, especially in Europe and has helped to promote European integration. Taunton's links with Lisieux go back over 50 years. This film features the signing of the original twinning Charter during the Whitsun visit 1955.

This compilation features an inspection by the Council of its Clatworthy Dam construction project during the final stages of completion, followed by the laying of the Foundation Stone at Bedford House Taunton by the Mayor: ending with a Civic visit from Lisieux (Normandy) twinned with Taunton, and featuring another visit to Clatworthy Dam. All events are believed to have taken place in 1959.

This compilation features an inspection by the Council of its Clatworthy Dam construction project during the final stages of completion, followed by the laying of the Foundation Stone at Bedford House Taunton by the Mayor: ending with a Civic visit from Lisieux (Normandy) twinned with Taunton, and featuring another visit to Clatworthy Dam. All events are believed to have taken place in 1959.

This compilation features an inspection by the Council of its Clatworthy Dam construction project during the final stages of completion, followed by the laying of the Foundation Stone at Bedford House Taunton by the Mayor: ending with a Civic visit from Lisieux (Normandy) twinned with Taunton, and featuring another visit to Clatworthy Dam. All events are believed to have taken place in 1959.

This compilation features an inspection by the Council of its Clatworthy Dam construction project during the final stages of completion, followed by the laying of the Foundation Stone at Bedford House Taunton by the Mayor: ending with a Civic visit from Lisieux (Normandy) twinned with Taunton, and featuring another visit to Clatworthy Dam. All events are believed to have taken place in 1959.

This video shows the belated official opening of both Galmington and Hamilton Road recreation grounds in Taunton on 29th September 1960 by Lady Patricia Ramsay, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Both areas had been given to the people of Taunton before the Second World War by Brigadier Gault.

On 27th October 1960 the River Tone burst it banks, flooding the whole of north Taunton. This prompted numerous calls for a flood prevention project to be commenced. Fortunately the project was adopted and nothing on this scale has been witnessed since.

On 1st. December 1960 the Mayor and Town Clerk visited Norton Manor Camp to present a Council Resolution of thanks to Number 8 Basic Training Battalion of REME. This was to recognise the help and assistance given by the Unit during the floods which occurred earlier in the year.

HRH Duke of Edinburgh visited Priory School and Somerset College of Arts and Technology on 7th. June 1961 to present awards in connection with his Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme. Unfortunately the owner of this website had left Priory School a year earlier!

On the afternoon of 6th July 1961 Clatworthy Reservoir was officially inaugurated by HRH Princess Alexandra following a lunch provided by Taunton Corporation at the Castle Hotel. Observant viewers will notice that the audio commentary says 7th July 1961! If anyone knows which date is correct, please let me know.

Filmed on Remembrance Sunday 1964, this shows Councillor Rex Williams the Mayor leading the Civic party as it processess from St Mary's Church to the War Memorial in Vivary Park. The Bishop of Bath and Wells and the town's MP Edward Du Cann were also present.

This video shows an evening presentation of the Freedom of the Borough, to the Somerset and Cornwall Regiment on 30th September 1961 during an Army Week at Vivary Park Taunton. The picture quality is not too special in places until the arc lights were switched on!

The official opening ceremony on 30th april 1964 at Priorswood playing field. The Holiday Campers Fund from the Butlin Camps had donated £4000 to the construction of the pavilion and Mr Butlin (as he was then) was present at this opening ceremony.

Commonly known then as the "Council Yard", Priory Depot was officially opened on 14th October 1965. Designed by Mr Tyzack Borough Surveyor and Engineer, it is the home of the Council's Direct Labour Organisation.

This video shows the arrival of HRH Princess Margaret at Taunton railway station on 29th July 1966. She was driven through the town to the County Hotel where luncheon was offered by the Borough Council. Following lunch the Princess opened Dr Barnardos Residential Special School at Middleway, but surprised everyone present by naming it "Princess Margaret School" which sounded a lot better than the original name! The Princess then walked to nearby Blagdon Lodge, operated by Taunton Old People's Housing Society, to perform the opening ceremony there by unveiling a plaque. The Princess then journeyed to Queens College playing fields where she departed by helicopter.
FOOTNOTE: Planning Permission was granted in November 2004 for the demolition of the principal buildings on the site of Blagdon Lodge and the Princess Margaret School and the erection of a retirement village complex.

This video shows the arrival of HRH Princess Margaret at Taunton railway station on 29th July 1966. She was driven through the town to the County Hotel where luncheon was offered by the Borough Council. Following lunch the Princess opened Dr Barnardos Residential Special School at Middleway, but surprised everyone present by naming it "Princess Margaret School" which sounded a lot better than the original name! The Princess then walked to nearby Blagdon Lodge, operated by Taunton Old People's Housing Society, to perform the opening ceremony there by unveiling a plaque. The Princess then journeyed to Queens College playing fields where she departed by helicopter.
FOOTNOTE: Planning Permission was granted in November 2004 for the demolition of the principal buildings on the site of Blagdon Lodge and the Princess Margaret School and the erection of a retirement village complex.

This video shows the arrival of HRH Princess Margaret at Taunton railway station on 29th July 1966. She was driven through the town to the County Hotel where luncheon was offered by the Borough Council. Following lunch the Princess opened Dr Barnardos Residential Special School at Middleway, but surprised everyone present by naming it "Princess Margaret School" which sounded a lot better than the original name! The Princess then walked to nearby Blagdon Lodge, operated by Taunton Old People's Housing Society, to perform the opening ceremony there by unveiling a plaque. The Princess then journeyed to Queens College playing fields where she departed by helicopter.
FOOTNOTE: Planning Permission was granted in November 2004 for the demolition of the principal buildings on the site of Blagdon Lodge and the Princess Margaret School and the erection of a retirement village complex.

After many years of inactivity Taunton Carnival was revived in 1967, largely due to the efforts of Councillor Ellis, and ran from 27th May until 3rd June. Here we see a meeting of the Carnival Committee which organised the many events which took place during Carnival Week.

After many years of inactivity Taunton Carnival was revived in 1967, largely due to the efforts of Councillor Ellis, and ran from 27th May until 3rd June. Here we see the choosing of the Carnival Queen and her Maids of Honour at the County Ballroom, part of what was then the County Hotel.

This is part of some footage put together and given to a former Mayor by a local television company, although the quality is not too brilliant for some strange reason. I have resisted the temptation to edit the footage as this would mean altering the original material which is not the purpose of this website.
The video begins with the official opening of the Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre on 27th March 1977, showing the Mayor receiving guests. The first production at the theatre was "Norman Conquest" by the Oxford Playhouse Company and features a very young David Jason. Scenes from rehearsals of this production are shown, interspersed with interviews of local people connected with the Brewhouse project. The video ends with a few candid comments from David Jason in his dressing room!