Test Valley History

Test Valley’s long and fascinating heritage attracts visitors from far and wide. It is a destination steeped in captivating stories of times gone by.

Romsey Abbey is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in southern England, and the district boasts more Iron Age hill forts than anywhere else in Hampshire, including Danebury Hillfort. The Domesday Book listed 6 watermills in Andover.

Romsey’s King John’s House and Heritage Centre emcompassess 750 years of history in just one day, and Andover Museum uncovers the town’s fascinating past and the events and tales that put it on the map. Discover stories of creativity and conflict, love and loss at Mottisfont Abbey house and gardens. Now a National Trust property, this former medieval priory became the place for artists to come and relax to create spectacular works of art. Whitchurch Silk Mill is part of theTest Valley’s industrial heritage, a working museum still using original Victorian machinery, including a number of power looms. The region’s history doesn’t end at ground level as the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop celebrates the lives of the British Army’s soldiers in the air. And your historic journey wouldn’t be complete without visiting the final resting place of Florence Nightingale. The Parish Church of St Margaret’s of Antioch, East Wellow, established in 1215 - the year of Magna Carta - is the perfect shrine to the memory of The Lady with the Lamp.

TOP TIP!

Check opening times and book ahead of your visit.

Visit Romsey Abbey to Wonder, Discover & Experience

Historic Norman Abbey with links to Saxon and Norman Kings and Queens. Home to the recently installed and wonderful ‘Calling Window’; generously donated and dedicated to the memory of Florence Nightingale. See the amazing Saxon Roods (crosses), sculpture by renowned artist Peter Eugene Ball and paintings by artist Chris Gollon.

www.romseyabbey.org.uk 01794 513 125 parishoffice@romseyabbey.org.uk @RomseyAbbey Open daily with free entry. Donations welcome.

For concerts and events Music in Romsey Abbey www.ticketsource.co.uk/musicinromsey Other Concerts www.ticketsource.co.uk/romseyabbey