Far away from the tourist hustle and bustle of cities like Winchester and Salisbury is the lovely Hampshire town of Romsey and within it this little treasure, Romsey Abbey. It's tucked away tranquil and ancient. Sitting there beautifully lit and in many ways simple in style. Very different in atmosphere to the more showy and busy cathedrals but still just as interesting. There has been an abbey in Romsey since the year 907 when King Edward, son of Alfred the Great, first settled a community of nuns here to be supervised by his daughter Elflaeda. Building of the stone Abbey started in about 1000, with the current building largely dating from around 1120 to 1140. It's a stunning building with some beautiful details and a number in very interesting hidden treasures. Well worth a trip.

I went for a peaceful Saturday walk around Romsey and that included the grounds of the Abbey. It was very cold but sunny and that just added to the beauty of Romsey as a quiet and friendly village. The Abbey and its grounds are very close to the shopping areas but you wouldn’t know, it’s just a lovely break from the hustle and bustle of the high street.

I thoroughly enjoyed looking around the abbey, after being warmly welcomed in. I really liked some of the quirky artwork and admired the lovely banners as I’m interested in textiles. The Florence Nightingale window is stunning. Also lovely to see the Easter garden. Lots to see within a peaceful setting. I look forward to returning, perhaps for a concert one day.

When you step off the high street, you enter a small quiet garden with seats and lovely flowers. The abbey is a beautiful building and very still and calm inside. If you are looking for some quiet time to yourself, this is a good place to go. The volunteer I spoke to was helpful and friendly without being intrusive and I was able to wander and take time.

We were amazed by the beauty and architecture of Romsey Abbey. It is a place of serenity and beauty. It is a place where much of its history leads back to the late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman periods. Many artifacts are present which reveal a lot about the Abbey. Once the nuns of Romsey Abbey educated the wealthy noble girls of England. Along with Wilton Abbey it was the best education in Britain. King John's daughter Joanna was educated here in 1216. Edith (Matilda) later wife of Henry I was educated here. There are faded frescoes from the earlier periods and roods, especially the one outside the entrance the nuns used to the Abbey. A must see for anyone interested in this historical period.

Amazing structure and built to LAST unlike new build houses. The grounds and the flower beds were amazing. Very tranquil and peaceful. I sang In A Country Churchyard Chris D and visitors said I am a LEGEND.