Taunton Priory

[5] Taunton had charge of many churches in the area, including Taunton St. James and St. Mary Magdalene, St. Peter de Castello, Ash Priors and Withiel, Pitminster, Willand, Dulverton, Kingston Church, Lydeard St. Lawrence, Angersleigh, Bishop’s Hull, Nynehead, Combe Florey, West Monkton, Thurlbear, Runnington, Thurloxton and Clannaborough.

Work was still dragging on eight years later, when Ralph of Shrewsbury, Bishop of Bath and Wells, licensed more alms-gathering, and in 1337, granted an indulgence to all those who contributed to the church building programme.

The age and infirmity of the prior caused problems in the 1370s, with discipline loosening as a result: the bishop engineered his resignation and the election of a younger, fitter man.

In 1403, William of Wykeham left Taunton 100 marks to pray for his soul, and in 1415 the prior received a papal indult for a portable altar.

Henry de Blois, successor to William Gyffarde and brother of King Stephen is also shown as a co-founder of the priory, although it is not clear if he had any role in its construction.