Christchurch: A Pictorial History

Christchurch is surrounded by large wide marshes at the confluence of the Stour and the Avon. This strategic position gave Christchurch its former name Tweoxneam ... -the town between the rivers-. Its harbour was sheltered by nearby Hengistbury Head, a defensible site in more turbulent days, as well as an excellent look-out point. Its skyline is dominated by the Priory, which was famous in the Middle Ages for its relics and attracted many pilgrims. After the Reformation and, a century later, the Civil War, Christchurch fell into decline and became a small fishing town.