Taunton

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Market town and administrative headquarters of Somerset, southwest England, 50 km/31 mi northeast of Exeter, on the River Tone; population (2001) 58,200. Products include cider, leather, optical instruments, computer software, aeronautical instruments, and concrete; other industries include light engineering, and there is a weekly cattle market. Taunton is the main market centre for west Somerset and east Devon. The remains of Taunton Castle include the Elizabethan hall in which Judge Jeffreys held his Bloody Assizes in 1685 after the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion.

Black recalls the country's tragic past. White reflects the Georgians' hopes for the future. Dark red is the national colour and is said to represent happiness. Effective date: 14 November 1990. >>