M for Meeting Houses in Somerset

Quakers have a tradition if building interesting yet functional buildings called Meeting Houses.  Unlike a church they are built to also be hired by the community in which they are located reflecting the Quaker belief that worship resides in daily life.

An early example is Spiceland Meeting House.  This Seventeenth Century building was built when dissenters were required to worship five miles outside the boundaries of townships.  This beautiful litte building set in rolling countryside and a reflective garden is open to the public on the National Heritage Weekend. Its arched windows flood the room with light bouncing off the plain white walls. A rush mat gives an aura of simplicity and peace. This building as you can imagine is popular for weddings and retreats.

A later example is Wellington Meeting House.  Built in the Victorian era it is perhaps more austere yet nevertheless very interesting. It holds a gallery, beautiful wood paneling and in the old Quaker tradition a Woman’s room. Quakers believed that women could discuss items of business more freely if men were not present. Their findings would then be brought to the main meeting.

The women’s room today hosts the coffee room on the first Saturday of each month for the LETS Meeting. Wellington Meeting House also hosts the yearly event called The Celebration of Light when the Meeting House and the adjoining Peace Garden are filled with hundreds of candles and lanterns during the early dark evening. The general public are invited to experience the contrast of darkness and light.

Taunton Meeting House is situated at the end of Bath Place off Taunton High Street..  Bath Place itself is an historical architectural gem and once an old coaching road. It is flanked by the shops which are themselves listed buildings.

Taunton Meeting House is not listed but none the less used by about forty independent groups. Architecturally it is not of interest at the moment. But that is about to change! There are plans to renovate and in the tradition of Quakers it will reflect a modern day testament to green values. Such is the art of the architect that a three dimensional film has been produced showing how the new building will look when finished. If you are interested we have loaded this onto our website www.westsomerssetquaker.org.uk on our Taunton Meeting Renewal page.  For all those interested in our architectural heritage, I am sure you will be delighted.

above - Bath Place Taunton Somerset