Norman History

Wherever you go throughout the UK, parish churches are so steeped in history, that when you are on the look out for a striking photographic angle you cannot afford to pass them by.

The Norman Abbey at Romsey is the largest parish church in Hampshire and while today dominating the town has had a chequered history with alternating highs and lows.
 
But it has survived near demolition, damage to its fabric, a lengthy period of neglect in the 18th century, expansion and also contraction.
 
Yet it remains one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Southern England. Dedicated to St Mary and St Ethelflæda, an Abbess of Romsey at the time of the first millennium, it is home to a thriving community of Christians.
 
It is also internationally renowned for its music. The Abbey plays host to an extensive series of concerts throughout the year organised by Music in Romsey, with musicians from local choirs and bands to international soloists and orchestras.  It has two choirs and actively encourages visiting choirs.
 
But the origins go back to 907 AD when the first order of nuns settled in the town.  The first stone church was probably built around the year 1000 AD.
 

My Blipfoto today is a study of the architecture.