Somerset County Cricket Club was first formed in August 1875, following a cricket match at Sidmouth between the Gentlemen of Somerset and their Devon hosts, in which the visitors were successful. Originally the idea of those who had formed the County Club was not to have a home ground, but to take their matches to different grounds around Somerset. When the team played in Taunton they chose Fullands School as the venue, which at the time was one of the best in the region.

The Somerset team remained nomadic until 1881, when Taunton Athletic Club opened a sports centre on the Priory Fields next door to the River Tone, which soon became the home to the County Club.Somerset played their first 'home' match during 1882 and during that year one of the teams to pay a visit were the Australian tourists.Initially Somerset did not enjoy first class status, but after winning the 'second-class championship' in 1890 first class status followed in 1891 and since then the Club has enjoyed a long and colourful history, with many ups and downs, both on and off the pitch.

Whatever the fortunes of the team on the field the Club has remained at it's County Ground home, which it has owned since it was first acquired by the then secretary Henr y Murray-Anderdon, just before the start of the 20th Century.Down the years Somerset has had many colourful and influential characters playing for them including Lionel Palairet, Sammy Woods, Jack White, Arthur Wellard and Harold Gimblett, who all left their mark on the Club before the 2nd World War. However it was not until the late 1970's and early 1980's that Somerset won it's first trophy, but when it did the Club enjoyed a golden era winning five competitions in as many years.

The young side that had been brought together under the watchful eye of Brian Close included Ian Botham, Viv Richards and Joel Garner who were Captained by Brian Rose, who is now the Director of Cricket at the Club.Following the 'Glory Years' the Club's loyal supporters had to wait a further 18 years before they enjoyed the sweet taste of success again, which they did in 2001 when they lifted the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy. Further success followed four years later with winning the Twenty20 Cup and now with a young team full of exciting talent, the Club that was formed in Devon 131 years ago, looks to be on the verge of another golden era and will be bidding to win the one trophy that has eluded them up until now - the coveted County Championship 
.

There are few grounds that, in an era of redevelopment and expansion, have been able to remain so close to their roots.

Three churches overlook the historic arena. It is a ground that has housed some of the game’s all-time greats; Sir Ian Botham, Sir Viv Richards, Joel Garner, Steve Waugh and Martin Crowe have all plied their trade at the County Ground – not to mention the club’s favourite son.  Marcus Trescothick recently retired after three decades with the club and has a stand named in his honour.

Somerset, though, have only ever hosted a handful of men’s ODIs, and none between the 1999 and 2019 World Cups. The ground has become the official home of English women’s cricket, with the venue hosting the 2019 Ashes Test. Along with both Melbourne and Karachi, Taunton is the only ground to be the scene of two quadruple centuries.

HOW TO GET TO THE GROUND

Full address: County Ground Taunton, St James Street, Taunton, TA1 1JT

By car: At Junction 25, take the A358 Exit to Taunton/ Yeovil. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (south) or 3rd exit (north) onto the A358 heading to Taunton/ A38/ Minehead, continuing straight onto Toneway/ A358. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Priory Avenue and the Cooper Associates County Ground will be on your left.

By train: Taunton Train Station is a 10-minute walk from the ground. As you leave the station, turn left into Station Road, heading towards the town centre. Turn left onto Priory Bridge Road, and the ground will be on your right.

By bus: Taunton Bus Station is a five-minute walk from the ground. As you leave the station, turn left onto Castle Green. Turn left at Fat Face and walk down to Debenhams before turning right into St James Street and the ground will appear on your left.

Park & Ride: Taunton operate two park and ride services from either the Silk Mills (West – TA1 5AA) or Junction 25 (East – TA3 5LU) sites.  Please check their opening hours ahead your visit by clicking here.