Built under the guidance of the Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott (and a leader of the Victorian Gothic revival) using a variety of Somerset stones, including Hamstone, Bath stone, and sandstone from Bishops Lydeard. Most of the church retains its original design with a few later amendments. St John’s church was consecrated on 13 April 1863.
The significance of St John’s has been recognised by English Heritage, who have regraded St John’s with a Grade I listed building status, one of national importance in the country’s heritage.
The town’s first glimpse of the church is the distinctive sandstone spire, and being the only church in the Taunton town centre with a spire, which stands on the south side of the chancel, and is of a sophisticated design with bands of different coloured stone and statues under pyramidical canopies in each corner.
The four oldest bells now in the tower were cast in 1608 by George Purdue in Taunton. The treble was cast by the Mears and Stainbank, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, in London and inscribed, to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George Vth in 1935.
Cast Iron Church Pipe
St John’s rainwater drainage system incorporates cast iron rectangular downpipes that are finished in battleship grey colour, and an ornate cast iron hopper head with decorative frieze and Star of David embellishments.
There are a number of these pipes and hoppers on the church roof elevations.
Cast Iron Gutter
The cast iron gutter (probably not original) is a larger capacity moulded pattern and as with the rainwater pipes, finished in a battleship grey paint.
Since 1893 Tuscan Foundry have been making cast products for the repair of period and traditional buildings and has been supplying cast iron gutter, pipe and drainage systems for church and ecclesiastical projects in Somerset, the South West and throughout the UK for many years.
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Tyn-Y-Clyn
Llanafarn Fawr
Builth Wells
Powys LD2 3LU
United Kingdom
Tuscan Foundry Products, Tyn-Y-Clyn, Llanafan Fawr, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3LU, United Kingdom
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A deep dive into the history, common issues, and maintenance of cast iron rainwater goods, with a focus on traditional Scottish architecture; cast iron rainwater goods have been a staple of Scottish architecture for centuries, prized for their durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. These qualities are particularly important in Scotland, where the weather can be harsh and unforgiving. They are a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of a bygone era, adding a touch of elegance and historical significance to buildings across the country.
Cast iron’s journey in Scottish architecture began in the 18th century. Its resilience and ability to withstand the challenging Scottish climate quickly gained popularity. The relatively low production cost of cast iron made it a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings, contributing to its widespread adoption.
The 19th century marked the pinnacle of cast iron rainwater goods in Scotland. This era saw the construction of magnificent Victorian buildings adorned with elaborate cast-iron rainwater systems, showcasing decorative hoppers, rhones (the Scottish term for gutters), and leader heads (downpipes). These features served a practical purpose, channelling rainwater away from the building and enhancing the architectural beauty of the structures.