Back to Christchurch

Christchurch was founded by missionaries sent to Wessex by St Birinus, the first Bishop of Dorchester on Thames, in 350AD. The town was originally named Twynham, which meant “between rivers”, as the town was based at the lowest point where the rivers Avon and Stour crossed.

The town is filled with many historical and significant buildings and places, including the Priory, Castle and Quay. Most of the old buildings that still stands in Christchurch consist of Norman architecture and was built back in the 11th and 12 th Century. The Priory Church, the Castle and Norman House (part of the castle’s motte-and-bailey), both built between 1090-1100, are said to be some of the last remaining Norman buildings in Britain.

The Quay also holds great significance for the town, with its’ rich history of being a port used by smugglers in the 18th and 19th Century. Christchurch Quay became a main trading port for the South of England and was continually used to import goods and transport people safely during the war.

Today Christchurch has a deep history that expands across many centuries. The interesting and unique architecture makes it an excellent place for filming. The local facilities, including bus and train stations, restaurants, hotels, film studio hire, makes the town easy to navigate, even for tourists.