St.Mary Magdalene Church
| Published: 16th May 2007 09:28 |
Church taken at Night
The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, is situated in the middle of Taunton, the town church since 1308 - a heritage of nearly 700 years. Over the next two centuries it was to become the largest parish church in Somerset.
The magnificent 163 foot tower is the tallest in Somerset.
The church's interior is a splendid justification of the exterior with the Tudor ceiling of the nave and chancel adorned with a hundred or more gilded angels. The stained glass too is particularly fine with some bright rich fragments remaining from medieval times on the north side. On looking up as you leave the church you cannot help but be stunned by the drama of the beautiful west window.
Its own Coffee Shop and Bookshop, St Mary Magdalene offers a large facility for a wide range of community events. It is ideally situated in the town centre next to a major car park, making it an attractive option for many organisations.
In addition to Sunday services a constant stream of people come to pray, to take communion or just to be still in the St Andrew Chapel set aside for this purpose, to light a candle for a loved one, or to get away from the noise and bustle of the town.
The church is frequently used as a venue for concerts, plays and other artistic events. About 230 people attend services weekly, but double this number come for major events and festivals such as Christmas.
There are no steps into the church and the facilities for the disabled make most parts accessible for chair-bound people.
The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene
Church Square, Taunton
Somerset, England,
TA1 1SA
Tel: 01823 272441
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