Romsey
A small market town in Hampshire made famous as the home of the 20th-century statesman and soldier Lord Mountbatten of Burma. Lord Mountbatten was buried in the town's ancient abbey church in 1979 after his assassination in Ireland. He lived on the south side of town in a fine mid-Georgian manor house called Broadlands, which is currently the home of his grandson the 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma. This elegant 18th-c country mansion, set in a 400-acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland, was originally the home of Lord Palmerston, whose statue adorns the centre of the market place.
Romsey Market Place © Tim Heaton (CC2)
The town owes its existence to Romsey Abbey, founded here in the 10th-c by the Saxons. Very little remains of the original abbey except for the foundations of the current Norman church, which houses many interesting monuments.
The town lies in the heart of the Test Valley, noted for its excellent trout and salmon fishing. The town centre is very pleasant and full of fine architecture and small independent shops. Scenes of Romsey, including the abbey church and Palmerston's statue, will be familiar to those who watch the TV series 'Inspector Wexford', written by Ruth Rendell.
Two miles west of Romsey is Embly Park (now a school) where Florence Nightingale spent her youth. She died in 1910, aged 90, and is buried in the churchyard at nearby East Wellow.
The medieval King John's House (circa 1230-1240) and the adjoining Tudor Cottage once belonged to the abbey. It is surrounded by a beautiful period-style gardens. Within is a museum dedicated to aspects of Romsey life during the Victorian and Edwardian period. Located in the heart of the town, near the Abbey, it is open to public from Monday to Saturday most weeks.
Places of Interest to Visit in Romsey
Broadlands Estate
The house is open for conducted tours on most days in summer. There is an exhibition dealing with Lord Mountbatten's life, including the sword and pens used at the Japanese surrender in Singapore. Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh spent their honeymoon in a room there. Prince Charles and Lady Diana also spent the first night of their honeymoon here, although in another room.
Opening times: June - Sept, 1pm to 5.30pm, weekdays only (guided tours) Admission Charge
Location: Broadlands, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 9ZD - Tel: 01794 505080
Website: broadlandsestates.co.uk
Map of Romsey
South East England
