ROMSEY’S history goes so far down the centuries, it can become confusing as the early chapters are often conflicting. What is almost certain however, is the fact that Romsey grew around it’s Abbey in order to serve its needs.
This aerial shot from 1950 shows the great church which Henry VIII sold to the townspeople in 1543.
To the east of the Abbey, in the line with the street in which cars are parked, can be seen the steep of King John’s House, rediscovered in 1927, and the Tudor cottage attached to it.
Some of the most interesting features of the house are the arms and mottoes of many Barons scratched on the plaster walls, possibly with arrow heads.
In the 68 years since this picture was taken a few changes have occurred.
The homes which occupy the area behind the trees on the left were pulled down and replaced by a building which had served as the Magistrates Court.
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