Situated eleven miles South West of Winchester. Area 493 hectares, with a population of nearly 13,000. Romsey developed where the routes between Southampton, Salisbury and Winchester cross the Test, the lowest point at which the river can be conveniently bridged. Here in A.D. 907 Benedictine nuns established a community and the massive Norman Abbey still dominating the town stands on the remains of their Saxon church. Romsey has been granted two Charters, one in 1607 by James I and another in 1698 by William III.

The prosperous wool trade enjoyed by the town in earlier times declined during the 19th Century but was followed by a thriving brewing industry. The swift flowing streams of the Test provided a source of energy utilised from earliest times, and at one of the remaining mills salmon can be seen leaping on their journey upstream to spawn.

There are examples of most styles of architecture in the town, and the Market Place, which dates from soon after the establishment of the Abbey, retains much of its original shape.

Tourist and Other Information sources

Local Tourist Information	Local Information Point	Local Council
Tourist Information, 13 Church Street, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8BT Telephone: (01794) 512987	Romsey Library, Station Road, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8DN Telephone: (01794) 513299	Test Valley Borough Council, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, Hampshire SP10 3AJ Telephone: (01264) 368000

Parking in Romsey

Public car parks are situated around the town centre with easy access to the High Street.

Refreshments

A good variety of pubs and places to eat.

Access by Public Transport

Romsey has a BR Station (service from Waterloo, Salisbury, Southampton, Winchester). Public Bus Services operate to Romsey from Winchester, Southampton and Salisbury.