Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society

Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society (SANHS) is a learned society established in 1849 to encourage the study of archaeology, natural history and history relating to the historic county of Somerset. In 1874 the society acquired Taunton Castle, subsequently restoring and adapting the building for use as a museum, library and venue for meetings. Since 2010 the society's administrative base has been at the Somerset Heritage Centre in Norton Fitzwarren.

During the first half of the 20th century the society expanded its activities under the leadership of Harold St George Gray, whose excavations and curatorial work influenced the development of the collections and raised the society's profile. In 1958 financial pressures led to the leasing of Taunton Castle, with the museum collections, to Somerset County Council (now Somerset Council). The society works collaboratively with Somerset Council and the South West Heritage Trust, and continues its activities through lectures, research, conservation initiatives and publications, as well as through its ownership of Taunton Castle and extensive collections.