Where I went yesterday

The Alter in Romsey Abbey

       The sun blessed our day.  I joined a group (0f 36) ladies from the Mothers' Union on a day trip to Romsey Abbey.  The coach trip allowed me to become better acquainted with Mrs. C.B., with whom I attend church. 

       Romsey Abbey is located in Southern England, in Hampshire county.  It is an ancient abbey, dating back to 907 AD, when King Edward the Elder established it as a home for nuns. 

       After a guided tour, the Vicar of the Abbey, Rev. Tim Sledge, led us in a short service.  Since 3rd September commemorates the The Feast of St. Gregory, he included a short message about St. Gregory.  Since Rev. Tim patterned the service on a Midday Prayer Service, he included The Mother's Union Prayer, as an acknowledgement of our group. 

Mother's Union Banner

I'm including the prayer here:

Loving Lord,

We thank you for your love so freely given to us all.

We pray for families around the world.

Bless the work of the Mother's Union as we seek to share your love,

through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life.

Empowered by Your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Several banners hung around the church, and being interested in art, illustration and sewing, I took some photographs.  

View of the vaulted ceiling.

Restoration work is always necessary on ancient building, and some of the work was evident.  Yet, the metal support bars and other props did nothing to detract from the beauty of the building. 

       The building was originally property of the crown.  And King Henry the VIII, in his resentment of the Catholic Church, suppressed the Catholic Church in England, including the Abbey--meaning he closed it and turned out the nuns.  However, in 1544, four local representitives of the town went to London to ask for the building/property to use as the local parish church.  King Henry said "No."  So the town's men asked to buy it.  King Henry said, "Yes--for £100."  Keep in mind, this was 1544, and the towns people could live on a pound for a year.  Amazingly, the town was able to buy the abbey and it became the site of the parish church.

       Currently the Abbey serves as the largest parish church in Hampshire and several surrounding communities.  

       After the prayer service, Mrs. B and I strolled down the town--a five minute walk--to find a lovely cafe, where we had lunch.  The tiny courtyard drew us outside, where several other ladies from the Mothers' Union were also having lunch.  The conversation flowed easily, the lunch satisfying and healthy.  

Bone Floor

       Following lunch we found our way to King John's House.  The property is actually three properties.  The Tudor house; this tiny museum was home for a thirteenth century merchant.  One of it's fascinating features is the "bone floor." 

Upstairs there is 14th Century graffiti--carved into the soft, white-washed walls.  Just goes to show the universal and eternal "mischievousness" of human nature.  

       Also upstairs, above a "Kitchen" a  "boy" is sitting in the loft--as his sleeping area.  Next to that is the banquet room, complete with "serving maids."  The maniquins are dressed in richly coloured dresses. 

       The Victorian building front of the property has a tea room downstairs.  Upstairs holds two rooms of "reconstructions"--a family parlour depicting William Moody and his sister, Mable,  sorting through family documents; the "Old Gun Shop" which displays fishing poles, guns and a few inventions (commercially unsuccessful) of William Moody's. 

Mrs. B. and I finished our day with a stop in the Tea Room.  It's difficult to pass up a lovely pot of tea and piece of cake when the decor is rustic, historical, but light and airy.  Off the tea room is a patio area where the waitresses also serve tea room customers.  

       Away to play for a day I came back a tiny bit tired--but equally refreshed and encouaraged.  An acquaintenship deepened into a friendship.  Perfect weather gave an idealic quality to our time away.  I was inspired and humbled by the vaulted ceilings, chapels, banners and stained glass windows of the Abbey; inspired by a place that has for several hundred years been a place of prayer, meditation, worship and teaching.  

       Maybe someday I'll return to Romsey with The Maverick and have a further wonder around the villiage. 

Now, I'm trying to catch up with a sewing project and unfolded (but clean) laundry.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"