Norman House — Attraction in Christchurch

Christchurch is a borough and town in the county of Dorset on the south coast of England. The town lies next Bournemouth in the west and the New Forest lies to the east. Historically and previously within Hampshire, it joined Dorset with the reorganisation of local government in 1974 and is the most easterly borough in the county. It covers an area of 19.5 square miles and has a population of around 45,000, making it the fourth most populous town in the county. The story of Christchurch Priory goes back to at least the middle of the 11th century, as Domesday says there was a priory of 24 secular canons here in the reign of Edward the Confessor. The Priory is on the site of an earlier church dating from 800 AD. In 1094 a chief minister of William II, Ranulf Flambard, then Dean of Twynham, began the building of a church. Local legend has it that Flambard originally intended the church to be built on top of nearby St. Catherines Hill but during the night, all the building materials were mysteriously transported to the site of the present priory. Although in 1099 Flambard was appointed Bishop of Durham, work continued under his successors, and by about 1150 there was a basic Norman church consisting of a nave, a central tower and a quire extending eastwards from the crossing. It was during this period that another legend originated, that of the miraculous beam, which was to change the name of the town from Twynham to the present day Christchurch. The Priory is noted for its Miraculous Beam, which attracts people from all over the world. Within the Priory grounds, stands Priory House, a Grade II listed mansion built in 1777 by Gustavus Brander. The Priory is in active use for worship and forms part of the Church of England Diocese of Winchester. The legend of the miraculous beam dates to the early 12th century. The story is that a beam was found to have been cut too short when it was hoisted into place. This would have been embarrassing for the carpenters since the wood was expensive and would be difficult to replace. There was however a mysterious carpenter who had worked and ate alone. The day following the discovery, when the carpenters returned they found the beam was in place and it now fitted. The unknown carpenter was never seen again, and the story came to be that it was Jesus Christ who had intervened. The church became Christ’s Church of Twynham in commemoration of the event. In time the town became Twynham Christchurch and eventually shortened to Christchurch. The beam can be seen today and is located in the Priory’s Ambulatory. On the 2nd April I visited this popular site on a day which was surprisingly sunny and warm. Therefore it was quite busy with many people walking about enjoying this part of Christchuch and the surrounding areas. Christchurch Castle is located in Christchurch, Dorset, England. The earliest stonework has been dated to 1160 AD. It is a Norman motte ( which is a mound forming the site of a castle or camp ) and bailey castle. The castle's site is inside the old Saxon Burh ( a burh or burg was an Old English fortification or fortified settlement. In the 9th century, raids and invasions by Vikings prompted Alfred the Great to develop a network of burhs and roads to use against such attackers. dominating the River Avon's lowest crossing ). The Constable's House standing adjacent to the castle was added at around 1160 and is a rare and notable example of a Norman domestic dwelling. Today the bailey is home to a bowling green and gardens and the ditch has been filled but parts of the keep and much of the constable's house still stand. The site is managed by...

One of the nicest, most peaceful and beautiful places I have been to in a long time. This place is a complete gem. The walk along the waterways to the castle and Norman house, not to mention the priory, is so calm and relaxed. It is such a remedy to the busy working and commuting week. There are little stone arches that give the place character and the water is so clear you can see all the fish swimming. There is an abundance of life here from the ducks and fish to the squirrels running around and it just makes it feel alive but without any need to feel disturbed or annoyed by all the little creatures going about their day. I would like to make one point though, please do not feed any of the animals. It could actually be detrimental to their health. Anyway the ruins are wonderful with the greenery running around and through them. My words don't do justice here so see my pictures please. Also the priory is stunning with it's arches and stained glass windows and apparently it is the Romanesque style but I am no expert on this so correct me if I'm wrong. There is a lot to see in the priory but unfortunately it was closed when we visited. However outside there is a peaceful, quiet graveyard and on the other side of the priory, some benches and features including a sculpture of the bell ringers of the priory. (I have included a picture of this as well). So, if peaceful and relaxing is what you are looking for, this is the place. We were fortunate enough to be there on a very sunny day but I dare say it is just as beautiful on...

This is a site that has lots of history, it's very close to the busy high Street, and sits next to a small stream which leads down to a common with a children's play area, all very picturesque. it's also cited next to the very impressive Christchurch Priory. There is lots of water about so busy toddlers will need more supervision than normal. On the whole the area has lots to explore and you could even cross the river to continue your walk down to Hegistbury Head, the visitors centre at Hegistbury is also a great stop off for a historical download of the area. There is one downside, parking is quite limited and I'd imagine on very busy days it may be a struggle to find a spot, but there seemed to be enough around, we had to walk a little further into town but...