4-8, Hammet Street

Nos 4 to 8 Hammet Street is a terrace of three-storey buildings with five-window brown brick fronts, constructed between 1788 and 1790 when the street was laid out by Sir Benjamin Hammet, who was the Member of Parliament for Taunton and Keeper of the Castle. The properties are separated by plain pilasters and feature a continuous eaves cornice. The roofs are a mix of slate and tile, and the original rainwater pipes remain in place. The buildings have sash windows set in plain reveals, although some glazing bars are missing. The doorcases are made of painted stone, featuring half-round Tuscan pilasters, open pediments, and traceried fanlights. The doors are six-panel, with No 8 having four panels. There is a round-headed entry arch between Nos 5 and 6, and No 5 has a later shop window to the right. The side of No 3 has three windows and is part of the west side of Church Square. The listed buildings on Hammet Street, along with St Mary Magdalene Church and the listed buildings in Church Square, create an extremely important group.