Broadlands has been the southern neighbour of the town of Romsey for centuries, although it has become steadily more significant since the abbey was closed in the mid-sixteenth century.

As so much has been found out about the development of Broadlands, LTVAS (Lower Test Valley Achaeological Soceity) is holding a conference to review it and to hear from the various experts on aspects of its history on March 8 LTVAS chairman, Phoebe Merrick, commented: "The LTVAS Group has brought together a range of speakers who are very knowledgeable about the history of Broadlands and the day promises to be memorable. It will be an opportunity to review what is known about the history of this estate, unique in the Romsey area, because it is still a family home."

There must have been a substantial dwelling on the site of the present house before 1607 when James I stayed there and the house has undergone several major alterations in succeeding centuries. However, the LTVAS research team has uncovered evidence of another substantial mansion in the same area, adjacent to a lost road once know as Eny Street.

The Broadlands estate was significantly enlarged by Lord Palmerston in the19thcentury as he systematically bought up the farms and small estates which surrounded his property.

The conference programme will include the following speakers: Professor Woolgar of Southampton University on the Broadlands archives; a selection of historical pictures of Broadlands shown by Charles Burnett, who probably knows more about old photographs of Romsey than anyone else; Barbara Burbridge, editor of LTVAS publications on Broadlands in literature; Ted Mason the expert on Middlebridge Street, on the evidence for Eny Street; Paul Gardner, editor of the Romsey and District Newsletter, on the architecture of the present house; Jean Brent and Pat Goodwin, authors of a forthcoming book on "Romsey Farms and Farming Families", on the history of the making of the Broadlands estate and its management through the centuries.

Booking for the conference is essential and tickets can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre at a cost of £14. The event will include a buffet lunch.