Travers

The Sanctuary

The High Altar is the main and largest of the seven altars to be found in this church. It is made, in part, from the original stone one. It is adorned with a number of frontals in appropriate colours dependant on the liturgical seasons of the Church year. At the Altar bread and wine are consecrated and shared. These symbols speak to us of the sacrifice of love Jesus made on the cross for each one of us, where his body was broken and his blood was shed.

Above the altar is a low-relief of the Madonna and Child, which was made in 1935 by Martin Travers.

Look up and see the stained glass windows with God enthroned on the left, and the lamb on the right symbolising Jesus Christ. The stonework of the original Norman windows here had been replaced in the late thirteenth century, in the early Decorative style to allow more light into the church. In 1890 they were filled with this very densely patterned and dark glass, which to a large extent undid this benefit. However, close to, the colours are magnificent. The two windows, made by James Powell and Sons, have a complementary theme: "To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might" (Revelation 5 verse 13).

With your back to the High Altar, take a few steps forward into the Chancel.

Romsey Abbey - An Introductory Tour
  1. Welcome to Romsey Abbey
  2. The West End
  3. William Petty
  4. The Abbess's Doorway
  5. St Nicholas’ Chapel – the South Transept
  6. The Threadgold Treasury
  7. The French Glass
  8. St Anne’s Chapel
  9. St Ethelflaeda’s Chapel
  10. St Mary’s Chapel
  11. St George’s Chapel
  12. North Choir Aisle
  13. The Sanctuary
  14. The Chancel
  15. Saxon Foundations
  16. St Lawrence’s Chapel – the North Transept
  17. North Nave Aisle
  18. The Shop Area
  19. The South Garth
  20. A Message from the Vicar, the Revd Thomas Wharton