Somerset is a county shaped by belief, conflict, rebellion and long-held tradition. Beneath its picturesque towns and familiar landmarks lies a past marked by unrest, superstition and moments that left lasting impressions on the landscape and the people who lived through them. From medieval power struggles and religious upheaval to witch trials, public executions and civil war, Somerset’s history is deeply intertwined with fear, faith and consequence.
Many of these events unfolded in public spaces — market squares, courts, churches and castles — places that still stand today. Over centuries, stories have gathered around these locations: accounts of unexplained sights, sounds and encounters that refuse to fade quietly into history. Whether rooted in folklore, documented testimony or repeated personal experience, these stories form a darker narrative that runs alongside the county’s official past.
This section explores the history and hauntings of Somerset’s towns, focusing on the themes and events that continue to define their character — and the stories that still linger where they happened.
As the historic county town of Somerset, Taunton has long stood at the centre of power, justice and conflict. From its early Saxon roots to its role in rebellion, warfare and law, Taunton’s streets have witnessed moments that shaped the wider region — often with brutal consequences.
Taunton Castle dominates much of this history. Over centuries it served as a fortress, a royal residence, a prison and a courthouse. It was here that justice was delivered, dissent was punished and lives were altered forever. Unsurprisingly, many of Taunton’s most enduring ghost stories are tied to these periods of unrest, belief and execution.
The town’s haunted reputation is built not on fiction, but on a past filled with accusation, punishment and survival — themes that continue to echo through its historic streets..
Taunton played a significant role in Somerset’s history of witchcraft trials, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries when fear and superstition shaped the justice system. The Assizes held at Taunton Castle heard numerous accusations, often brought against society’s most vulnerable — beggars, outsiders and those considered troublesome by their neighbours.
Cases such as that of Julian Cox highlight how easily misfortune, illness or unexplained events could be blamed on alleged witchcraft. Testimonies given against the accused were frequently contradictory or fantastical, yet convictions followed all the same. Once accused, few had any chance of escape.
These trials left a lasting mark on the town’s reputation. Stories of injustice, fear and condemnation still surround the castle and court areas, forming a key part of Taunton’s darker historical identity.
Taunton’s strategic importance made it a focal point during periods of conflict, particularly throughout the English Civil War and the Monmouth Rebellion. The town changed hands multiple times, endured sieges, and suffered widespread destruction as opposing forces fought for control.
In 1685, Taunton became a stronghold for the Duke of Monmouth, whose failed rebellion against King James II ended in disaster at the Battle of Sedgemoor. The town’s support for Monmouth was remembered — and punished — by the Crown. Taunton Castle became a place of imprisonment for hundreds, many held before facing trial or execution.
These events left physical scars on the town and emotional scars on its history. Accounts of unrest, violence and betrayal still underpin many of Taunton’s reported paranormal experiences today.
Perhaps the most infamous chapter in Taunton’s history came in the aftermath of the Monmouth Rebellion, when Judge Jeffreys presided over the Bloody Assizes at Taunton Castle. Hundreds were tried in rapid succession, many sentenced to death or transportation. Executions took place publicly, leaving lasting impressions on those who witnessed them.
Judge Jeffreys himself has become one of Taunton’s most frequently reported apparitions, with sightings and strange experiences said to occur within the castle and surrounding buildings. Reports include unexplained footsteps, shadowy figures and sensations linked to fear or restraint.
The legacy of the Bloody Assizes remains one of the darkest in Taunton’s past — a period where justice was swift, mercy was rare, and the consequences continue to echo through history and legend alike.