Despite heavy clouds and a little rain 6 of us arrived at the appointed bus stop in Southampton in good time to catch the bus to Titchfield which wound its way via Woolston, Sholing, Burseldon and on to Sarisbury, Warsash and Locksheath arriving 50 minutes later with the sun shining.   Then it was a quick amble to the garden centre and its cafe for lunch and/or other refreshments.  One member arrived a little later.

Those that wished to, perused the goods on display and admired the beautiful flowers and shrubs for sale.   There was so much that one could have bought.  Then it was another short stroll to find the entrance to the Abbey.

The Abbey is a 13th century building originally, founded in 1231/2 by the then Bishop of Winchester as a home for a community of Premonstratensian (go on, look it up) Canons and later transformed into a grand Tudor mansion called “Place House”.   Then, as it deteriorated over following years, the stones were gradually removed for constructions elsewhere. 

Our first sight of the building was the imposing gatehouse and its wide, white facade which is really all that’s left standing.  Further exploration revealed the remains of the great hall with huge open fireplaces and spotted the indents on the inner walls which once held the supports for the upper floor and wooden window seats. 

Beyond the main facade and the hall and moving into the surrounding area we could see the outlines of original walls shown by the remaining foundations and they covered quite a large space.  It must have been a very impressive building in it’s day.   Some very intricately decorated  tiling which had been buried under grass for several centuries had been revealed in several patches with notice placards to explain the meaning of some of them - including some double headed eagles and Castilian towers or turrets the latter being in homage to Eleanor of Aquitaine.    I also took a peek down the original well but it all appeared very dank and murky and less than inviting.   No wonder beer and wine were the preferred beverages of the time.    After seeing that I’m content with whatever is released through my domestic taps!

It was then decided it was time to leave and we strolled down for a brief poke around the actual quaint old village of Titchfield before having another chance to wave our bus passes for the return journey to West Quay just as the rain started and where we all split to catch suitable buses home.   

It was agreed that we had all enjoyed the day and a fitting start for the Bus Pass Group.   We welcome anyone to our next proposed outing which should be on Tuesday 10th May to Salisbury for the cathedral flower festival.  It should also be market day.  More details nearer the time. 

Meantime a happy Easter is wished to all.    Chris & Ken.