Despite suffering significant persecution from their peers and the state, Baptists erected their first chapel in Taunton in 1670, on or near the current site.

In the early 21st century a range of structural and decorative restoration works were carried out on the building, which continues to serve the Taunton congregation, who meet for services twice a month at the chapel.

After the English Reformation of the 16th century, an increasing number of people were unhappy with the control that the government and monarch had over the Church of England.

Oliver Cromwell imposed a period of religious tolerance, but his death precipitated further persecution of Dissenters, principally through the Act of Uniformity 1549, which required the use of the Book of Common Prayer as the only legal form of worship in England.

[2] There was a Baptist community in the town by 1646,[3] and despite continued persecution they erected their first Meeting House in Taunton, on Mary Street in 1670.

[4] The 1672 Royal Declaration of Indulgence was issued by Charles II in an attempt to introduce greater religious freedom, and within Somerset, 82 places applied for licences to meet and worship, 22 of them for Baptists.

[5] After the Glorious Revolution removed James II, his successor William III introduced the Act of Toleration 1689, which specifically allowed nonconformist worship.

[8] In a letter, Coleridge wrote, "I walked into Taunton (eleven miles) and back again, and performed the divine services for Dr.

[12] The Unitarians provided a free school for poor children in Taunton, and were the first in the town to offer this service equally for girls and boys.

The building underwent a series of repairs and redecoration, carried out by the Steel Coleman Davis Partnership in the early 21st century.

[15] The Unitarian Chapel retains much of its original interior, including square Corinthian columns, Oak galleries and a carved wooden pulpit.