The market town of Romsey lies on the River Test in Hampshire, on the border of the New Forest. The medieval settlement grew around its wealthy abbey, and the abbey church is still one of the glories of the town today. Woollen and tanning industries also brought prosperity to the area, and the town later became a brewing centre. The large country house of Broadlands was built on the abbey’s land after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and became home to Prime Minister Palmerston in the nineteenth century and later Lord Mountbatten. Today IBM is based nearby. In A–Z of Romsey, author Martin Brisland reveals the history behind the town, its streets and buildings, industries and the people connected with the place. Alongside the famous historical connections, he includes some unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well-known. Readers will discover tales of science and innovation, lifeboats and brewing, honeymooning royalty, presidents and politicians among many other fascinating facts in this A–Z tour of Romsey’s history. Fully illustrated, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic Hampshire town.

Martin Brisland is a local historian and tour guide based in Southampton. He has historical family connections with Romsey and spent much of his formative years in and around the town. Martin has written many local books for Amberley Publishing, including Secret Southampton, A-Z of Southampton and Celebrating Southampton.