IT is one of the most stunning and iconic landmarks in Hampshire.

Romsey Abbey is renowned as the county’s largest parish church with a life steeped in rich religious history.

Now the fascinating story behind the iconic Norman church is being revealed in a new history book.

Liz Hallet (pictured below) has produced a new book entitled ‘Romsey Abbey the First 1,100 Years’.

Daily Echo:

Now she is urging people to delve more into the stories of the past by attending her official book launch .

Liz, who is editor of the Abbey’s in house church magazine Open Door, is launching what is the first history book in 20 years about the church.

The 234-page book, tells its story like never before, tracing back to its foundation in 907 and leading up to the present day – exploring its 600 years as a nunnery and 500 years as the town’s parish church.

It is illustrated with 210 pictures and is designed to be a companion volume to other Abbey histories – including Judy Walker’s ‘Romsey Abbey through the Centuries’.

Liz who lives in Romsey said: “By studying events in the order in which they happened, one can see cause and effect and it leads to a greater understanding of why things happened as they did.

“The book is laid out in a way that is easy to dip into it to learn more of the fascinating history of the Abbey.”

Canon Tim Sledge said: “The Abbey has a history which is like a glorious golden thread. Fortunately, thanks to historians and local enthusiasts, that golden thread has been documented down the ages in many different ways.

“Now, thanks to Liz’s careful and painstaking research, we have a clear timeline of that golden thread which has been expertly woven into this wonderful book – a living tapestry.

“Because there is so much history related to the Abbey, it can sometimes be hard to piece it all together.

“This book can be read in one stretch, or dipped into.

“You can take a century, a week, or just open it up at a particular snapshot of the life of the Abbey.”

The book launch takes place from 10.30am on Saturday, June 6, in the Church Rooms.

Copies of the book, normally priced at £15, will be exclusively available for £13.50, with profits going to the Abbey Funds.

There is also a double offer of £27 if purchased with Julie Walker’s ‘Romsey Abbey through the Centuries’.

Liz’s book will subsequently be available at the Abbey bookstall.