Taunton welcomes Royalty this October

Taunton is getting ready to host Royalty as Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, will be re-opening the Museum of Somerset this Monday.

His Royal Highness will arrive late Monday morning when he will be taken on a tour of the museum.

He will then be introduced to the volunteers, contractors and staff who have worked tirelessly on this £7 million project.

The Earl will then unveil a plaque to mark the occasion and subsequently cut a ribbon on the new illuminated glass bridge linking the newly regenerated Castle Green with Gooland Gardens.

Children from Taunton Preparatory School will be the first to cross the bridge after this significant opening.

Other guests attending the Royal visit include members of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society and members of Trinity Primary School.

Prince Edward, younger sibling of Prince Charles of Wales, will spend around two hours in Taunton before travelling to his next engagement.

Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Heritage Services, Cllr David Hall, said:

"It is an honour for Somerset to be welcoming The Earl of Wessex to open the Museum of Somerset after the magnificent effort to restore and update it.

"Together, the Museum and the new-look Castle Green are very important achievements for Taunton and for Somerset.  

"We are very pleased that their completion will be marked in this special way."

Leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, Cllr John Williams, added:

"I am delighted to see the work completed on this truly historic part of Taunton.  I am sure this new public realm will soon enjoy the same success as the magnificent Museum of Somerset.

"With the historic backdrop of the old castle and surrounding buildings, Castle Green, with the stunning new Glass Bridge, is a wonderful area for the community to enjoy.  

"We are so pleased to welcome The Earl of Wessex on this special occasion."