MASONS ARMS IN TAUNTON

[Ann]

I am doing some family history for a friend and their ancestors were at the Masons Arms in Church Square, Taunton for a while. I have found it on the censuses and I also know is now closed in the past few years. On the internet it said it was used for a Lib Dem office for a while after it closed. Is it still there and if so, is it standing empty. Would appreciate any news or history of this building, if you know Taunton. Many thanks.

[NOX]

I've just been on google earth and you will find that the Mason's Arms is actually located in what's now Magdalene Street, so for a more precise search on google earth type in 3, Magdalene Street Taunton. It's still there showing ion streetscene, is a tall thin Georgian building painted pink with grey relief. If you need help working google earth let me know and I'll try to help.

[Ann]

Thanks very much Nox - I did Google Street View a few months ago and saw it but didn't know how up to date it was. Does anyone know any more details about the history of this pub please?

[lilacben]

Hi Ann my husband and I live in the next town to Taunton and the pub building is still there. But afraid we don't know the history, Could you prehaps look on a census list or electrol roll.?

[Ann]

Thanks a lot lilacben, we have the address and landlords on the 1891 census but what we are trying to find out is when it was actually built and if it was called The Masons Arms from the beginning. Many thanks for your answer though, now I know its still there! Is it still standing empty?

[lilacben]

Hi again Ann, I have had alook for you but can only find dates up to 1890. I will keep looking for you if you would like and see what I can find. Also will take a look around the buliding when next in Taunton to see if any dates are on it. It was empty last time I went in. Brenda x

[Ann]

Thanks a lot Brenda, that's very kind of you. We live in the East Midlands so its a bit too far to travel to have a look! Our friends will be very grateful for any info you can find. A Robert Handel was the Landlord on 1881 and 1891 census and lived there with his niece Harriett who eventually took over the running of the Masons Arms (or became the owner) and she became our friends great grandmother.