One of the longest parish churches in England, a Norman and Gothic former priory near the meeting of the Avon and Stour
Ranulf Flambard, chief minister to William II, began the Norman church in 1094, and in 1150 it became a priory of Augustinian canons. When the priory was dissolved in 1539, the church passed to the parish the following year and the monastic buildings around it were pulled down, which is why so large a church serves a small town: it is as big as many cathedrals. Local legend tells of a roof beam cut too short that was found fitted in place overnight, said to be the work of Christ as a mystery carpenter, and of the town taking its name from the miracle, though the name Christchurch already appears in a grant of 954. Christchurch Castle and its Norman house are next door, Christchurch Harbour is a short walk east, and Christchurch station is about 1 km away.
