What we now know as King John’s House and the adjoining Tudor Cottage were once a small part of Church Court in Romsey and are Church Court’s only surviving buildings. By the turn of the 19th and 20th century, the Court had been reduced to little more than a densely populated slum housing among the most impoverished of Romsey’s residents. At this time you would find no mention of King John’s House on any map or in any book as it was just a run-down building in a run-down part of Romsey.

In modern times we know that the House was once a very high status building and part of a major medieval complex although its exact purpose is not completely understood. You can see many early features dating from this time, including fine stone masonry, ancient roof timbers and graffiti cut into medieval plaster.

The Museum features aspects of Romsey life during the Victorian and Edwardian period. The ‘old gun shop’ has been reconstructed upstairs, using original fixtures, fittings and display items, while William Moody and his sister wait to greet you in the recreated parlour in the room behind.

When you visit the House and Museum you can discover how and when King John became associated with the House, how it descended from high status medieval building to slum over 800 year of continuous occupation and use and why the Moody family are so important to the history of King John’s House.

King John’s House and Museum are in the custodianship of a registered charity, dedicated to preserving King John’s House for future generations. Donations in support of this work are always appreciated. The charity is kindly supported by Test Valley Borough Council who work in partnership to share this important heritage property