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OUR route on this tour
lies through the Avon Valley to the
little market town of Ringwood, from
where a short run brings us to Stoney
Cross. Minstead, which lies to our
right, is a delightful old village
in the very heart of the New Forest,
where can be seen the well-known Inn
sign "The Trusty Servant",
which is a copy of the famous picture
at Winchester College.
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From Stoney Cross we
continue our journey to Romsey, a
market town notable for its Norman
Abbey Church, which was built between
1125 and 1225. In the market-place
stands a statue of Lord Palmerston,
whose country home was Broadlands,
a mansion on the south side of the
town by the River Test and which is
now the residence of Lord and Lady
Mountbatten.
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Our route now takes
us through Hursley, known to the ecclesiastical
world as John Keble's Parish. The
poet and scholar came to this quiet
village in 1836 and accomplished a
work ever to be remembered by English
Churchmen. Continuing, we reach Winchester,
the County town of Hampshire, where
time is allowed for lunch and sightseeing.
Winchester, known to the Romans as
Venta Belgarum, became the chief town
of the Saxon Kingdom of Wessex, and
under Alfred and Canute was the capital
of all England.
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Winchester Cathedral
is the longest mediaeval church in
existence (556 feet) and every style
of English architecture is represented.
At the beginning of the nave stand
two bronze figures of James I and
Charles I, by Hubert Le Sueur, the
sculptor og the Charles I statue at
Charing Cross in London.
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From the Close on the
south side of the Cathedral, sightseers
may pass out through the King's Gate
below St. Swithun's Church into College
Street, and turn left to visit Winchester
College, the oldest of the great English
public schools, founded by William
of Wykeham.
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The old City Cross is
in the picturesque High Street, and
near the West Gate is the sole relic
of Winchester Castle, a fine thirteenth-century
hall, containing "King Arthur's
Round Table".
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