Christchurch Priory, Medieval church in Christchurch, England
Christchurch Priory is a medieval church building in Christchurch, England, combining Norman and Gothic architectural elements across a length of roughly 311 feet (95 meters). The structure includes a long nave, a central tower, an eastern chapel, and several side aisles separated by thick stone columns.
Construction started in 1094 under Ranulf Flambard, chief minister to King William II, replacing an earlier Saxon church that stood on this site. Over the following centuries, the building was expanded and reshaped several times, especially during the Gothic period.
The building continues to serve as an active parish church where locals gather for regular services and special celebrations throughout the year. Choral concerts and organ recitals often take place in the nave, drawing both residents and travelers who come to experience the space filled with music.
The church welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Sundays from noon to 4 PM. Access may be limited during religious services, so it helps to check ahead if special events are scheduled.
Local legend tells of a mysterious carpenter who appeared during construction to fix a beam cut to the wrong length, leading townspeople to believe he was Jesus Christ. This event prompted the town to change its name from Twynham to Christchurch.
Location: Christchurch
Inception: 11 century
Website: http://christchurchpriory.org
GPS coordinates: 50.73190,-1.77466
Latest update: December 2, 2025 20:25
Christchurch Priory Churchyard Wall Between Priory Church And Vicarage
93 mPre-Conquest monastery, early Christian cemetery, Augustinian priory and a motte and bailey castle at Christchurch
50 m10, Church Street
148 m11, Church Street
143 m
Splinters (Including Street Lamp Fixed To Wall)
137 m
Priory Cottage
38 m
Place Mill Bridge
99 m
Place Mill
100 m
Church Hatch
114 m
Red House Museum
123 m
Gateway To Christchurch Churchyard
93 mThe Priory Ruins
59 mNos 14 To 16 (Including Street Lamp Fixed To Wall Of No 16)
125 mPriory House
42 mRailings, Gate And Wall At No 13 (church Hatch)
115 mArt Gallery And Picture Store At Red House Museum And Attached Boundary Wall Along Whitehall
151 mBandstand In Quomps Recreation Ground
135 mSundial In Priory Churchyard
103 mPart Of Former Mausoleum Now Used As Stage In Proiry Gardens
136 mBoundary Walls At Priory Gardens (Including Building Now Used As Gardeners Store)
113 mVicarage Garden Wall (Along Frontage To Church Street)
107 mChristchurch Priory Churchyard Wall And Gate Along Quay Road
77 mGarden Boundary Wall To Red House Museum
144 mBoundary Wall To Garden Of Rememberance In Christchurch Churchyard
83 mChristchurch Vicarage
110 m1 and 2, Quay Road
144 mRed House Museum and Gardens, Christchurch
133 mChristchurch Tricycle Museum
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