KING John’s House commenced the celebration of an 800th anniversary on Saturday November 6 with a re-enactment visit from Queen Isabella, first Countess of Angouleme and second wife of King John who was closely attended by her fearsome personal guards.

The birthday for the house is believed by some, to have been on Tuesday November 9 but this is still in debate as according to some sources, the date for when the house was built was in the 1250s but this has not been confirmed.

On Tuesday, a small group gathered at King John's House to hear the story of the gift of the house to the abbey by costumed story teller.

During the reenactment on Saturday, the Queen walked amongst her people in the Town taking tribute before retiring to her court at King John’s House for the remainder of the day.

Whilst there, she was royally entertained by her guard who fought tenaciously for her favour and for the general amusement of the loyal citizens of Romsey.

Queen Isabella was the mother of Henry III, he gifted the building, which was believed to be King John's House to Romsey Abbey in memory of his father King John. On the Dissolution of the Abbey by Henry VIII, the building passed into private ownership until it was gifted to the Town of Romsey by the Moody family.

Mark Edgerley, Charity Trustee said. "Having heavily armed Medieval Guards patrolling Romsey certainly surprised many. Queen Isabella chatted with residents and handed out crowns to children. A day that will be remembered for a long time!"

Mark Udall General Manager at King John's House said "This day was the first of a series of events to celebrate 800 years since the House was gifted by King Henry III, read the Romsey Advertiser to follow details through the next year and follow our social media"