64, 66 and 68, The Hundred, Romsey

Builder: H & F Bundy

Architect:  John Trowbridge

Date: 1975-1976

The first restoration project undertaken by Romsey Buildings Preservation Trust involved a group of three cottages in The Hundred, the main street of Romsey.  Few people, even long-standing Romsey residents, were aware of the existence of this diminuitive terrace tucked away at the end of a narrow alleyway between Latimer Street and Palmerston Street. 

The restoration was quite straightforward, with the exception of the main structural wall to the east elevation that had subsided, leaving cracks that had previously deterred both builders and speculators from undertaking the project. 

The Trust, however, was able to carry out a total rebuild of the wall on new foundations.  In addition the roof was completely replaced and re-tiled. The interior of the cottages were in a poor state with sub-standard kitchen and bathroom facilities and even a primitive outside lavatory.  Each of the refurbished cottages was provided with a modern bathroom and kitchen with gas central heating with new plumbing and wiring throughout. 

Despite the availability of grants, the shortfall in finance necessitated that some of the work was carried out by voluntary labour.  Although small in scale this restoration, the first project of The Trust, brought particular satisfaction after its completion in 1976.