Romsey Loves… The Abbey

For what was once long ago just a small market town in the southern countryside, Romsey today is blessed to be packed with so many landmarks and attractions. With Broadlands estate, King John’s House, Hillier Gardens, the Memorial park, and even Lord Palmerston’s statue. There is plenty to cement our place in English heritage. But there couldn’t be a more important attribute to the town's identity than the Abbey.

When approached from any angle it never fails to take your attention. The building’s perfect picturesque positioning allows it to stand mighty proud over the town centre, dominating the local skyline with its towering height visible even on a clear day from Fishlake Meadows. Its strong bold appearance commands eyes up close and afar thanks to the instantly recognisable stone architecture and distinctive decorations. Passing by you’ll often see people gazing at the tall arches and rounded stained glass windows, and of course that magnificent eastern face that displays the clock and belfry - with raised flag to match. Not to forget the 400 carved corbels and grotesques that are dotted along the high walls - a reminder that it is always worth looking at the details. How could you not marvel at its grandiosity.

Though to fully appreciate its significance and relationship to Romsey, you have to first understand its deep history. At over 900 years old, the Norman Abbey has survived The Black Death, Reformation, Henry VIII and the Dissolution of Monasteries, as well as Cromwell and the English Civil war (you can still see the scars from when Parliamentary troops fired musket balls during their attempt to desecrate the people’s place of worship). Quite a remarkable track record of avoiding destruction during the turbulent periods of England’s history. A true testament to the original craftsmen and centuries of preservation.

However striking you find the exterior, it is only until you enter through the large wooden doors that you get a much greater sense of scale. It is quite an atmospheric experience to witness the sun shine directly through the windows while you walk down the aisles and look up to the pillars and vaults that impressively raise the structure three stories high, which by the way makes it the largest parish church in Hampshire. A monumental feat of engineering crafted in a style historians describe as "Romanesque".

It is thanks to this strength that the church is able to house a number of artefacts such as the Saxon Roods and most notably the mystery plait of hair which was found in a lead coffin in 1839. But also art and four chapels including that of St Lawrence, which can be found by the altar with the 16th century reredos (a section of painted panels that depict the resurrection of Christ). It is of little wonder why the building attracts so much curiosity and admiration. Inside and out. Even the Queen’s fondness is well known, her last official visit being in 2007 for the 400th anniversary of Romsey’s charter which King James 1st granted in 1607.

Once governed by Benedictine nuns, the Abbey gained a national reputation as an institution of education for children of nobility. Now the Abbey is a historical destination that more than matches the affection with neighbouring Winchester Cathedral. Afterall I’d be remiss to forget the Abbey’s royal affiliations that date all the way back to King Edward the Elder - son of King Alfred the Great.

To this day the Abbey continues to play a crucial role as the single most iconic feature of the community; our very own Big Ben or Eiffel Tower if you will. Hosting weddings and christenings, funerals and baptisms. The Abbey has an influence on the life of all Romsonians at some point or another. Bringing people together as both a social hub and place of spiritual congregation. Often the central venue for all manner of seasonal events on the town’s calendar. From Christmas carol services to musical concerts and artistic exhibitions. Playing a part in celebrations and festivities as recent as last month's Romsey Festival. It carries a cultural duty not often thought about. It’s not surprising that the townspeople back in 1544 were so keen to save the building (for a sum of £100). And thank goodness they did. On a map you can clearly see how the town has evolved outwards from the Abbey. Therefore it is plausible to say that if it wasn’t for the Abbey’s persevering existence through time - there would be no town to speak of.