King John's House, Medieval museum in Romsey, England
Description
King John's House is a three-part stone structure built with flint walls, featuring an early English window with geometric details on its west side. Inside, the rooms hold collections of objects from medieval times onward, showing how the building's purpose changed over centuries.
History
The house was built around 1230 and first served as a hunting lodge, then later took on a new role as a guest house connected to a nearby abbey. This shift in purpose shows how the building adapted to changing needs in the region.
Culture
Walking through the rooms reveals layers of occupation spanning centuries, showing how people adapted and used these spaces. The building functions today as a gathering place where visitors connect with the local past through the objects and spaces that remain.
Practical
Visitors need to arrange a visit in advance, as the house operates with set opening times rather than drop-in access. A small café on-site provides refreshments and is open during most visiting hours.
Did you know?
Restoration work uncovered faded wall paintings and markings from the Middle Ages, including rare merchant symbols hidden beneath later layers. These hidden traces reveal that people from different trades used the house and hint at the commerce of that era.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Romsey).
Hampshire offers a journey through many centuries of British history. You can see Roman walls and ancient amphitheaters, medieval castles and abbeys, as well as houses and fortresses built during the Victorian era. Each place shares part of the local story, from the daily lives of old residents to...
Broadlands
1.1 km
Romsey Abbey
128 m
Corn Exchange
113 m
Sadler's Mill
642 m
Romsey Town Hall
179 m
Plaza Theatre, Romsey
625 m
The Abbey United Reformed Church
143 m
Statue of Lord Palmerston
94 m
1, Church Court
16 m
Star Inn
170 m
The White Horse Hotel
73 m
Romsey Library
262 m
Romsey Signal Box
644 m
Gateway At Ashfield Lodge
1.7 km
Waterloo Memorial At Romsey Abbey
133 m
Latimer Arms Public House
148 m
Broadwater House
279 m
Tudor Rose Public House
145 m
Rivermead
391 m
Folly In Garden Of The Vicarage 50 Metres West Of House
216 m
Vicarage
194 m
Gunville Gatehouse
786 m
Manor House
332 m
Milestone On West Side At Top Of Pauncefoot Hill
1.6 km
Milestone 30 Metres West Of Lay-By On North Side At Top Of Green Hill
1.4 km
Stanbridge Earls
2.4 km
Middle Bridge
672 m
Milestone, Winchester Hill, Harefield; opp. service station
1.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes