Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Romsey has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Romsey.
Here you can find hotels in the area of Romsey
Just type in your destination and get many different suggestions.
Sights in Romsey
Situated in the heart of Hampshire, the historic market town of Romsey lies just off the M27 motorway and within easy reach of neighbouring Southampton and Winchester. The town dates back to the 8th century when it was founded as a Benedictine Abbey by King Ina of Wessex and today is home to a number of significant historical buildings and sites.
One of the most notable is Romsey Abbey, a fine example of Norman architecture which was rebuilt in the 13th century following a fire. The abbey is still an active place of worship and its beautiful interior is well worth a visit.
Nearby is the Market Square which has been the centre of town life for centuries and is still home to a weekly market. Next to the square is the ancient town hall, a Grade I listed building which was first built in the 13th century and has since been extended and renovated on several occasions.
Just outside the town centre is Mottisfont Abbey, a former Augustinian priory which was founded in the 12th century. The abbey is now in the care of the National Trust and is open to the public. It is well known for its extensive gardens which include a historic roses collection, a water garden and a wildflower meadow.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, Romsey has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. There are several hotels in the town centre, as well as a number of guesthouses and bed & breakfast establishments. For something a little different, you could also try one of the several selfcatering cottages which are available to rent.
Whether you are visiting for a day or staying for longer, Romsey is a great place to explore. With its combination of history, culture and natural beauty, there is something to suit everyone.
History of Romsey
The market town of Romsey can be found in the county of Hampshire in southern England. It is situated close to the River Test, and about 10 miles northwest of the city of Winchester and 30 miles southwest of the city of Southampton. The town has a population of around 23,000 people.
The area around Romsey was first settled by the Celts in around the 3rd century BC. The Romans arrived in the 1st century AD and built a garrison town called VENTA BELGARUM, which was located where the Market Place is today. The town flourished under Roman rule and continued to do so after the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the 5th century.
The Saxons arrived in the area in the 6th century and called the town Romesei, which means ‘settlement by the river’. In the 9th century, the town was ravaged by the Danes and then in 1066, it was occupied by William the Conqueror.
William granted the town a charter in 1067, which allowed for a weekly market to be held. This charter is still in existence today and the market is held every Wednesday.
The Normans also built the Abbey Church of St. Mary, which became a powerful and wealthy institution. The Abbey dominated the town for many centuries and was only dissolved in 1539 during the reign of Henry VIII.
After the Abbey was dissolved, the church became the parish church and much of the Abbey’s land was sold off.
During the English Civil War, the town of Romsey was staunchly Royalist and was besieged by Parliamentary troops in 1644. The town eventually fell to the Parliamentarians after a bloody battle, but was recaptured by the Royalists in 1645.
The town remained largely untouched by the Industrial Revolution and is still predominately a market town today. The local economy is still based on agriculture, although there are some light engineering and manufacturing companies in the town.
The town of Romsey is a popular tourist destination, due to its historic buildings, picturesque setting and friendly atmosphere.
Vacation in Romsey
Romsey is a town in Hampshire, England. The town is situated on the River Test, a few miles northwest of Southampton. It is approximately 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Winchester and 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Andover. Romsey lies within the Test Valley Borough Council.
The town has a population of 20,254, making it the largest town in the borough. The town’s twinning arrangement is with the German town of Gronau.
Romsey is unusual in Hampshire in having two neighbouring market towns, Andover and Winchester, and also being located between them on the main A30 road. The town also has a Town Council.
Although there is evidence of prehistoric activity in the area, the town only dates back to the 7th century when it was established as a Saxon settlement called Rumselei.Romsey Abbey, which was founded in 907 by St Ecgwine, a Mercian prince, dominated the town for centuries and was a powerful force in the region. The town grew rapidly in size and importance and by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, it was recorded as a large and wealthy town with a population of around 1,500.
The town suffered setbacks in the 14th century when first the Black Death and then the Hundred Years War reduced its population. It recovered in the 15th century, and by the time of the dissolution of Romsey Abbey in 1539, it was once again a prosperous town.
During the English Civil War, the town was a Royalist stronghold, and in 1644 it was the site of a major victory by the Parliamentarians over the Earl of Oxford’s Royalist army.
The town grew steadily during the Industrial Revolution, and by the end of the 19th century it was an important regional centre for the brewing, tanning and paper industries. In the Second World War, Romsey was a target for German bombing due to its military importance as the headquarters of Southern Command. The town was also home to a camp for Polish soldiers.
romsey is now a thriving market town with a wide range of shops and businesses, as well as a twiceweekly market. The town’s Abbey gateway is a popular destination for shoppers and tourists, and there are a number of pubs and restaurants in the town centre.
There are several schools in Romsey, including Romsey Abbey Church of England Primary School, Towers School, and Mountbatten School. The town is also home to Romsey School, a independent school for girls aged 1118.
Sport and leisure facilities in Romsey include a leisure centre, swimming pool, golf course, and a number of parks and open spaces.
Romsey is an attractive town for visitors, with a variety of historic buildings, museums and shops. It is also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside, with a number of footpaths and cycle routes through the Test Valley.
Other vacation destinations in England:
