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You are here: Explore > The History of Christchurch
Christchurch sits between two rivers – the Avon and the Stour – and research indicates it began as an early Saxon settlement. It was originally known as Tweoxneam (Twynham) from Old English meaning between two rivers. The town has two entries in the Domesday Book.
The name we know the town by today came into use after a church was built there in the 11th century. It was around 1095 the Normans established a priory. A leper hostel is also known to have existed.
During the Middle Ages Christchurch saw a castle built, the introduction of a weekly market and an annual fair. Its geographical advantages also made it a viable fishing port.
The Dissolution forced the closure of the Priory by Henry VIII in 1539. The town suffered during the Civil War when, like so many others, the castle was demolished in 1652. However the ruins can still be seen today, as can Constable’s House, a Grade I listed Normal dwelling.
By the 18th century, fishing was still important to the town’s economy and, with the slow introduction of a gasworks, piped water supply and sewers the population expanded. Trams and then trolley buses came to be used and, in the early 20th century, the introduction of an airfield.
Reputed to be one of the longest churches in England, the Priory is one of the few monastery churches to have survived Henry VIII’s rule.
There has been a church on the site of Christchurch Priory for over 1300 years, from the first Saxon building to the glorious Priory Church you can see today.
The current building of Christchurch Priory was built in the 11th century, although the medieval roof still exists and is visible above the newer one. The roof includes the Miraculous Beam which lies above the south aisle and was once the object of pilgrimages; the medieval builders found that a vital beam was too short but when they returned the next morning it was miraculously not only the right length but also in the right position.
If you fancy a challenge take a Tower Tour and climb the 176 steps up to enjoy panoramic views of the town and harbour. Regular tours are available and can be booked.
In the grounds of the Priory are a 12th Century castle and Constable’s house which survive as ruins.
There is an impressive tomb for Margaret Countess of Salisbury; once described by Henry VIII as “the most saintly woman in England”. The Countess of Salisbury was actually buried in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula within the precincts of the Tower of London. However, her chief monument to this day remains this one housed in Christchurch Priory, and is a fine chantry chapel.
There is also a memorial to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (his wife Mary and his heart are buried in a grave in St Peter's Church Bournemouth).
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