On your left is a touchingly beautiful sculpture of Alice Taylor who died of scarlet fever aged just 2 years 5 months in 1843. Alice was the daughter of Francis Taylor, a local doctor and skilled sculptor who made this plaster-of-Paris effigy in her memory. Alice's father is said to have brought her a rosebud which she was still holding when she died four days later.
At the far end of the shop area are two display cases, one of which holds a head of Saxon hair (probably from 965 – 1016) which was found in 1839 during excavations near the Abbess's Doorway.
On the floor below is the incomplete, but clearly defined, coffin lid of a 13th century abbess.
The Abbey's gift shop and bookstall are packed full of cards, gifts, souvenirs of your visit and a wide selection of books. Please do browse and buy! It costs at least £1400 a day to maintain this magnificent building that hosts so many services and festivals, musical and cultural events as well as educational activities. If you have enjoyed your visit, please make a donation towards the upkeep of this beautiful place or, perhaps, consider becoming a Friend of Romsey Abbey. Thank you.
After your visit inside the Abbey, we encourage you to leave via the South Door into the South Garth.
