Taunton Cricket Club was founded in June 1829 when a group of men met at a pub in the town to discuss forming a club. Their first ground was at Orchard Portman Great Field, now the Taunton Racecourse.
The club was helped by members of Sidmouth C C, which had been formed a few years earlier, to set up the club. The Club is the second oldest in Somerset after Lansdown C C.
After many years at various sites around town, the club moved to a field adjoining St.James’ Church. They were joined by other clubs including the Football (Rugby) Club, the Bicycle club and another cricket club to form Taunton Athletic Club. The ground was opened in 1880 with a parade through the town. The ground had a cycle track around it. In 1882 the Australian tourists played Somerset at the ground. Taunton C C raised money for a grandstand to be erected.(later known as the Old Pavilion)
After a few years Somerset CCC took a lease out on the ground and eventually purchased it. Taunton C C continued to play there until the mid 1970s, when they joined with Taunton Hockey Club to form Taunton Vale Sports Club and take a lease on Moorfields, which was their home until 2000, when TVSC moved to it’s present ground at Gipsy Lane.
The Somerset connection continues to be strong and Somerset 2nd XI play their home games there.
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