|
Members met in the pleasant gardens of King John's House for refreshments, before
going to Romsey Abbey for our guided tour.
We are grateful to have had the opportunity of a guided tour by a clearly enthusiastic
and knowledgeable guide.
The present Abbey's survives as a parish church, although greatly reduced from its
original size and magnificence. It is an almost perfect example of Norman architecture,
with an Early English extension dating from 1220. Our guide indicated the join at which
the Norman string coursing ends and the style changes.
Many Abbesses are listed on boards in an aisle and include St. Ethelflaeda who was step-daughter of King Edgar,
King of Wessex, and her mother Alfrida.
Unfortunately, the auspicious early days were followed over the years by a severe deterioration in standards, with
many scandals being reported of bad behaviour. One Abbess, Elizabeth Whiterose lived a very 'secular' life. She
was fined and 20 of her nuns, being 'naughty', were ordered to leave during the Dissolution. By 1530 most of the
complex had been destroyed however In 1539 Romsey townspeople purchased the building for £100 from King
Henry VIII's Commissioners to be their parish church.
Romsey Abbey, with its long history, massively beautiful architecture, stained glass windows, wall paintings,
tapestries, intriguing stone carvings, rare encaustic tiles, choir stalls, organ, and monuments, is a real treasure. The
many memorials are full of interest and importance, especially, perhaps, that of Lord Mountbatten, who lived at
nearby Broadlands, and was murdered by the IRA in 1979.
Our thanks to John Avery for organising the outing
|
|
