Romsey Abbey
One of England's best-preserved large Norman churches, originally a 10th-century nunnery, with Saxon stone crucifixes inside.
Romsey Abbey was founded as a nunnery around 907 by King Edward the Elder. The surviving church was built between 1120 and 1230, and its heavy Norman round arches and tall nave are very impressive. During the Reformation, townspeople pooled money to buy the church as their parish church, which is why it survived. Inside are two Saxon stone carvings of the Crucifixion, and the tomb of Lord Mountbatten. Admission is free (donations welcome). The town of Romsey is neat and pleasant, and the neighbouring Broadlands estate is occasionally open in summer. It is about 18 km from Winchester.
Opening hours
About 07:30–18:00 (except during prayer times)
Nearby sights
- Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
- Mottisfont
- Hospital of St Cross
- The Great Hall & Round Table
- Winchester Military Museums
- Westgate Museum
- St Catherine's Hill
- Buttercross & High Street