In the 1920s, a historic discovery was made within a crowded tenement building in Romsey. Mark Udall explores the fascinating history King John’s House holds within its walls.
Over the course of centuries, how many times can one building change ownership? How many voices of the past echo within its rooms and halls? These are questions that Mark Udall, General Manager of King John’s House, seeks to answer as he joins our host, Richard North.
Within the complex of historic buildings, traces of the past can be seen tucked away in shadowy corners and carved into stone walls. In this episode, Mark also talks about the effort to bring the past of King John’s House to life.
Mark Udall is the General Manager of King John's House and Museum, but may occasionally be seen around the House and gardens in the guise of Hubert de Burgh, first Earl of Kent and confidant to both King John and his son King Henry III. Mark joined the Museum from Stonehenge, a journey of 35 miles and 4,000 years, from neolithic to medieval, following a career teaching and managing in Higher Education.
King John’s House
The building now known as King John's House has interesting and much contested medieval origins. It has also been in almost continuous use for 800 years. There is a known and certain connection with Romsey Abbey – but much more that is less clear in the history of this beautiful building.
King John’s House is actually a complex of medieval, Tudor and Victorian buildings, surrounded by a beautiful period-style garden, all of which are rich in history. Once (in latter centuries) part of Church Court, a sprawling complex of slum buildings which has now disappeared, what we now know as King John’s House was in continuous occupation and use for over 800 years.
Guided tours of the House tell the story of its discovery and of the people who have lived and worked in and around this enigmatic building over its lifetime. The building and gardens are host to events and exhibitions all year around and from 2022, over spring and summer, you may meet some of the Travellers Through Time who frequent them. From the Ladies of the Queen Isabella's Bedchamber to Tudor gardeners gossiping in the physic garden.
There is also a warm welcome on-site at Miss Moody’s Tea Room- a quintessentially English spot that opens onto beautiful period gardens, and offer the perfect location to form your own view on the House’s fascinating and contested story!
