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Welcome to Mottisfont.
Situated four miles North West of Romsey, the Parish of Mottisfont occupies a delightful position on the right bank of the River Test immediately opposite Michelmersh. Mottisfont village has many attractive houses, the most famous being Mottisfont Abbey.
The abbey was founded by William Brywere in 1201 for Augustinian canons and was acquired by Lord Sandys at the dissolution of the monasteries - the buildings were converted into a Tudor residence. Later, Georgian alterations made the abbey almost unrecognisable, which completed the transformation of the building to a house. The Abbey, now owned by the National Trust, is worth a visit. It is most famous for its walled garden containing the National Collection of old roses.
The two bears with ragged staffs on the Abbey gateposts are from the coat of arms of the Barker-Mill family. The Mill Arms, an old coaching inn, was named after the same family, and in nearby Michelmersh is the Bear and Ragged Staff pub.
St Andrew's Church is one of the few Grade I Listed churches and is 12/13 century, built of flint and rubble and housing a number of unusual features, including a rare 17th century clock movement.
The two villages of Mottisfont and Dunbridge are noted for the excellent fishing in the River Test.
The Parish Council point of contact and web editor for this site is John Millns (Tel: 01794-340347). Please contact John or The Local Channel
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