Romsey

Lets start from outside the tourist information shop.  Next door we have the historic King John's House which you can see on my Romsey In snow page.  But catching the eye even more is the edifice of the abbey. If its Sunday and early September, there is a good chance that the food festival is taking place in front and all around town. Its just one of numersous happenings throughout the year in Romsey. We'll meet another later.

Just before the abbey turn right by the hedge, and about half way along, look back for this view, which looks especially good around early November.

There is a gap in the hedge near here which takes you across the green in front of the abbey. From here you can get a particularly good view of the many grotesques that line the walls, and without straining your neck too much!.

And from the green you get a pretty good view of the North side of the abbey, and none better than when seen at sunrise in the summer.  The slabs are not stepping stones, but old gravestones whose inscriptions are all but faded.

But of course what you really want to see are the wildflowers planted in 2024. So here is a view of them at sunrise...

...and if you turn to face the West you can see the old primary school and houses of Church Lane lit by the rising sun, with more of the flowers in front.

...and if thats far too early to be getting out of bed for, here they are by evening light at a far more civilised 6-7pm.

The abbey dates to the 10th century, though what we see today is two centuries younger.  Built by Benedictine monks, it has stood through Henry VIIIs dissolution of the monasteries, and remained a focal point of the town since.

Through a gap in the far hedge (across the grass) we come to Church Lane and the local primary school - another fine old stone building.

The view of the abbey from here comes from a Spring day.

If we head further out from the Abbey, to the end of the road, cross it and look for the thatched cottage, there is another view from the back alley at its side. It doesn't seem much, but when the light is right its all comes together.

Retreating back to the Abbey we next head to the park...

Pass the stunning end wall of the abbey (captured in my snowy painting on my Romsey in Snow page), and after the buildings with the ornate metal balconies, turn right and head for the park.

The gates make me think of Mary Poppins, but beyond, it is everything you would want from a park, and should it be a summer Sunday, you may well catch the band playing. And if that is not for you, wander round the edge and watch the ducks in the stream, or stop for a tea at the cafe.

If you happen to be in town on the second Saturday of July, then you will find the place filled with thousands of visitors, all having a fun time watching and listening to the various musicians and artists attending Beggar's Fair.  Every conceivable space seems to have something going on.  Here I've captured the scene at the courtyard cafe area outside the local department store.  I particularly enjoyed listening to this group.

And just behind me, you'll find my paintings on show at the bus station railings, along with several other artists.

Walk out beyond the bus station, and across the Aldi carpark, and there is one more surprising view of Romsey to be had. Its best seen early in the morning when the carpark is empty, but it can still be seen over the tops of the cars at other times...

All too soon its time to head back to the station for the next leg of the virtual tour, but first we need to find our way back.

Just to the left of the White Horse, there is a passage that leads us round the back of the shops and to this glimpse back to the abbey.  The inn we pass is an old coaching inn dating from the 18th century, though with some timbers dated much much older.

I hope you have enjoyed my Romsey paintings, and perhaps I'll see you again on another leg of the tour.