Locals enjoy the Museum of Somerset opening party in 2011

In a ceremony on Castle Green, Somerset County Council’s head of heritage, Tom Mayberry, welcomed visitors and thanked those involved in the six-year project.

He said: “We want to thank the people of Somerset for the enthusiasm, the interest and the passion they have shown.”

Sam Hunt of the Heritage Lottery Fund that contributed £4.8 million said the attraction had a ‘terrific wow factor’, adding: “This museum is one of the finest I've seen in the UK.”

Prof Mick Aston, of TV’s Time Team, said: “The museum is full of treasures – the type of treasures that illustrate real people’s lives and the fascinating stories that lie behind them."

Members of Taunton Garrison then marched to the gates of Taunton Castle in an English Civil War style re-enactment.

Firing their muskets and in 17th Century dress they demanded entry in the name of Parliament.

The first 100 visitors each received a souvenir biscuit in the shape of a boot, which commemorated the words of Col Robert Blake, who, while defending the castle for Parliament during 1645, declared he would eat three of his four pairs of boots before he surrendered.

Several youngsters became part of Taunton’s history as they played starring roles in the opening.

Answering the demands of Taunton Garrison members was seven-year-old David Dawson of Bishop Henderson Primary School, who opened the gates to the museum.

David, who was the last child to leave the museum before it closed in April 2008, said: “It’s a cool museum and I think other people my age would like it.”

Raising the Somerset standard above the gatehouse was Emily Tall, seven, of Staplegrove Primary School.

Emily, who packed away the last object when the museum closed, said: “I was really happy when everyone cheered.”

First visitors through the doors were year six pupils from Bishop’s Hull Primary School – which has a link with the museum – led by Sarah Howarth and Harry Chase, both ten.

After a day of being open, a lot of people had a lot to say about the museum.

TauntonJohn writes: “I think it’s fantastic. There are more exhibits in more space than before.

"The atmosphere conjured up in the different rooms has been very well thought out. I found the first impression of walking into the Great Hall a real ‘wow’.”

Prickles says: “I went on Saturday with my four-year-old son and he loved it – very interesting. But seemed a lot of money to spend on a museum. Nice to go somewhere that’s free to get in.”

But Somerset_BTGOG says: “I’m a little disappointed. The main hall has been turned into something you’d expect to find in IKEA not a Grade I listed building.”

Now, nearly 11 years on, the museum is still a very popular destination for tourists in Taunton and locals looking for something to do.

What do you think of the Museum of Somerset? Is it a good asset to our town of Taunton?