| Christchurch Priory (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Christchurch Priory
Photographer Description of Christchurch Priory
This panorama shows the interior of Christchurch Priory. The image was taken from partway down the nave of the church and shows some of the interior.Christchurch Priory - Further Information
Christchurch Priory is a very old church near the middle of Christchurch in Dorset. The church has become a major tourist attraction, it's tower rises far above the town and stands out dramatically on the skyline, visible over Christchurch Harbour from Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Quay.Other panoramas from inside the Priory Church: Great Quire and Misericords and The Lady Chapel
Christchurch Priory began life in 1094 when a chief minister of William II, Ranulf Flambard, then Dean of Twynham, began the building of a church on the site. The church is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Building and alterations continued throughout the following centuries until the completion of the Draper and Salisbury chantry chapels in 1529. Only 10 years later the church was surrendered to Henry the VIII in the Dissolution of Monasteries, and threatened with destruction. All the surrounding monastic buildings associated with the church were pulled down, but the church itself was spared following a petition from the local townspeople.
This picture shows the Nave, which was completed in 1150 and has massive Norman pillars. The final level, the Clerestory or clear storey was added in around 1230 to provide light to the body of the church. The roof dates back to 1350 and is mostly hidden by plaster added in 1819.
Address:
1-2 Quay Rd
Christchurch, BH23 1BU
01202 485804
Travel Directions and Getting There:
Take the A338 north from Bournemouth (south from Ringwood) until you come to the flyover sign posted for Christchurch and the Royal Bournemouth General Hospital. At this junction take the A3060 east. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the A35 which leads into Christchurch.