There is extensive internal damage to 800-year-old King John’s House, one of the finest examples of a medieval building in the South of England. Luckily, no one was injured. Emergency crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue attended the blaze, which was extinguished by around 9.30 am. Windows are boarded up and barriers are in place to prevent public access.
King John’s House contains a rare example of bone flooring and medieval graffiti. It is understood that both survived the fire, but are smoke-damaged, and their condition remains unknown. King John’s House and Museum, Miss Moody’s Tea Room, and the gardens are temporarily closed. The gardens and main museum buildings on Church Street were untouched by fire and are likely to re-open first.
Museum manager Jade Poulton, said “We are incredibly grateful to the fire service, and to Test Valley Borough Council, for their help. It appears the fire was largely confined to the medieval building known as King John’s House and did not spread to the adjoining Tudor Cottage and tearoom, which has sustained smoke damage. The Victorian buildings that house most of the museum’s collection, archives, and exhibitions, were not affected. We await the official reports. I’d like to thank the tearoom team, volunteers, trustees, and our local community, for the kind offers of support and for donations we are receiving via our website www.kingjohnshouse.org.uk. Updates are being posted on Instagram and Facebook. The best way to get in touch is via email at info@kingjohnshouse.org.uk. After the shock, we are now doubly committed to telling the story of this special place at the heart of Romsey in exciting new ways, in partnership with our community.”
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