The meaning behind 'So drunk he must have been to Romsey'

It wasn't a slur on the quaint market town or its people, but a recognition of the concentration of public houses therein.

At one time, more than 80 pubs dotted the town, providing a gathering place for locals. In the early part of the last century, there was one inn to approximately 141 residents, which was nearly twice the national average.

(Image: Echo)

In the historical Middlebridge Street, The Woolpack had a rich history dating back to the 16th century.

Throughout the 1800s, the Holloway family, known for their farming and wheelwright skills, operated a brewery at the establishment.

Nestled within the village, the tavern was a low-set building, boasting a grand central chimney stack and a roof that gently curved with weathered clay tiles.

The Swayers Arms. (Image: Echo)

Providing patrons with the option of either a cozy bar or a quaint tearoom, the Woolpack once boasted stabling for 20 horses and a spacious yard capable of accommodating 60 to 70 carts.

Following the revocation of its license in 1911, the property was acquired by the Romsey Corporation three years later.

A short distance of just 130 yards away, the Three Tuns remains a steadfast haunt for patrons even now. An age-old establishment, it is believed to have been constructed during the first half of the 1600s, featuring a unique bow window that was commonplace for pubs of the time.

This photograph, thought to have been from 1972, shows the name of the Lansdowne Arms still visible on the wall of the building on the right (Image: Echo)

Back in 1785, the owner at that time, William Bach, encountered a highwayman who left him so terrified that he had no choice but to relinquish ownership of the pub.

In the following century, the Three Tuns saw a succession of farmers overseeing its operations, offering not just beer but also milk to the patrons.

In the heart of The Hundred, The Sawyers Arms was also once called the Catherine Wheel, named after the traditional symbol of timber dealers. This moniker also stemmed from the establishment's popularity among carpenters and joiners who frequented the pub.

The Three Tuns. (Image: Echo)

During the early 1900s, carpenters and joiners in the region gathered in an area now known as Harrage, located behind the Sawyers Arms. This spot was a popular fairground destination at the time. Authorities in 1911 considered shutting it down due to its proximity to other pubs like the Sceptre, the King's Head, and the Bishop Blaize.

However, the Sawyers Arms continued to operate until 1960. The Lansdowne Arms, once situated on Church Street, was established in 1829 on the grounds where a magnificent Tudor house had previously stood.

During the early 1900s, the area known as the Harrage behind the Sawyers Arms was a popular spot for hosting fairs.

The Three Tuns in more recent years. (Image: Echo)

Despite authorities' attempts to shut it down in 1911 due to its proximity to the Sceptre, the King’s Head, and the Bishop Blaize, the Sawyers Arms continued operations until 1960.

The Lansdowne Arms, once located on Church Street, was constructed in 1829 on the grounds of a former Tudor residence that was destroyed by fire.

This property originally belonged to Sir William Petty, a prosperous wool merchant and the forefather of the Marquis of Lansdowne.

In 1911, the license for the Lansdowne Arms was revoked after the elderly widow of a former tenant, who was the landlord, received £42.50 in compensation.