Christchurch
Christchurch is an interesting town in Dorset, a few miles from Bournemouth and close to the lovely New Forest.
A settlement in Saxon times, it was in that period known as Twynham.
Christchurch Priory was important in the mediaeval period, and was retained at the Dissolution of the Monasteries as the town’s parish church. It is in fact the longest parish church in the country.
The Constable’s House is the surviving Great Hall of the castle.
The large natural harbour, where the Avon and Stour flow into the English Channel, was important to Alfred the Great in his defence of Wessex against the Danish invaders.
Hengistbury Head is a breezy headland, covered with heath, forming the South side of the harbour. It is popular for activities such as kite-flying.