Christchurch – Dorset: A Land Where History Runs As Deep As Its Rivers
The Avon and the Stour are the grounding spot for Christchurch in Dorset. Set between them, this town has ties that bind from over eight hundred years. Back before the Iron Age men and women built homes here and lived their lives. Now people come to enjoy the history and the charm as tourists and even retirees are ready to settle in a lovely location such as this.
Names for towns come from different places but here we have a miracle. The workers building the Priory had placed a board for the roof that was too short for the space. Deciding to leave it till the next morning they went home. When they returned the board had grown to fit the space needed. This miracle was attributed to Jesus because he too was a carpenter. Christchurch as a name was born.
The spot where Christchurch Priory was built has had a church standing there for over eight hundred years. This Priory is the longest in England and is over three hundred feet long. Based on the Saxon foundation it has Saxon street layouts surrounding it.
Cultures that are there before you leave their influence and the Saxons were no different. As one of the first inhabitants to this region they originally named this town Twyneham which means, between two rivers. The harbor has been the draw for many men but the Saxons were the first to utilize it as a port between Britain and the ports of other countries.
The Christchurch Mill is a perfect example of a Saxon watermill. The interesting aspect to be seen here is that the mill takes water from one river and deposits it in the other. An effective mill you can see the way it works even today when you visit.
At Hengistbury Head you find a locale where the earliest people found home. They began here because of the ease of the location and they could develop one of the first ports. But this place now has not only historical impact but scientific as well. These lowlands and the Stanpit Marshes are protected and studied for the impact they are making on the coastline and particularly the migratory bird patterns.
Moving to the hills you find Highcliffe Castle which was built in the mid nineteenth century. While the house was an example of romantic architecture its grounds were designed by the famous Capability Brown. Wander through the gardens and see the expertise and intuition that was used to create them.
The history running through the town in undeniable and distinguishable. But whether you visit Christchurch – Dorset for the history or the beauty, either way you will find a wonderful respite for your days of leisure.
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