Celebrating Seven Centuries of Witness

The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, set strikingly in the centre of Taunton, has been the town church since 1308 - a heritage of 700 years. Over the next two centuries it was to become the largest parish church in Somerset.

Of particular note is the tower described by Simon Jenkins as "the finest in England. It makes its peace with the sky not just with a coronet but with the entire crown jewels cast in red-brown stone."

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.
Celebrating 700 years of witness to Taunton

What St Mary Magdalene has to offer

A place of worship and caring
The site of St Mary Magdalene has been a place of Christian worship and caring for over 1,000 years. That tradition of caring is still very much alive. Some years ago we made a commitment to be open, warm and welcoming every weekday, and we employ staff to ensure that our large number of visitors, whether tourists or people needing friendship, are cared for. 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.

  

A CENTRE OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
With a capacity of 800 and its own Coffee Shop and Bookshop, St Mary Magdalene offers a large and beautiful facility for a wide range of community events. It is ideally situated in the attractive town centre next to a major car park, making it an attractive option for many organisations, not just in the town but country-wide, to hold services, concerts and meetings. It is the church of choice for major events such as the annual Royal British Legion Service of Remembrance, and the spiritual home for the Somerset Light Infantry. There are no steps into the church and the facilities for the disabled make most parts accessible for chair-bound people.		  

A PLACE OF MUSIC
Our worship has been greatly enriched in recent years by the development of our music tradition. The adult choir sings to a high standard and our choristers, 24 boys and girls aged 7 to 16, contribute greatly to our church life. The three-manual Henry Willis organ installed in 1882 and grand piano, coupled with excellent acoustics, enable a wide range of music, from solo recitals to orchestral concerts, to be performed equally effectively.		  

A CENTRE FOR ALL AGES
St Mary Magdalene's is working hard to develop its contact with young people. Our choristers are a success story, and our parents and toddlers group is thriving. We have firm links with local schools and colleges and there are weekly opportunities for the elderly and less-able to meet and be supported by church members both corporately and individually.
We run a highly effective marriage preparation course called FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study) which is used throughout the area.		  


A PLACE OF LEARNING
There is a continuous programme for study and discussion groups looking at a whole variety of Christian issues from enquirer level through nurture groups to advanced study. "Magdalene's" , our Bookshop within the church, stocks the latest books and materials for learning by all ages – a feature which attracts a lot of people to the church.

"Delighted with the lively active presentations seen of the church’s ministry."

  
 
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