This large marble effigy is a memorial to Sir William Petty who lived from 1623 to 1687. William was born in Romsey and is sometimes called a polymath. This means that he was extremely clever and brilliant at many things. Amongst other things Petty was a doctor, a musician, a mathematician, an inventor, a mapmaker, an economist (he wrote about money and taxes) and one of the first members of The Royal Society (a group of very clever scientists).
Now, continue to walk down the centre of the Abbey (the Nave), passing the Churchwardens’ Staves. These were made in 1928 and have a picture of Saint Ethelflaeda on one side and, on the other, a portcullis (a medieval gateway) which is the symbol of Romsey.
Imagine the thousands of people who have walked here before at significant moments in their lives, and the community of Christians who gather here each week.
Stop at the oak lectern which is in the shape of an eagle.
