Itinerary #17 - Christchurch Crown copyright

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Christchurch was originally The Town Centre is in complete called Twynham, on account of contrast to or Poole, Christchurch standing between the Rivers Stour much older and more intimate. and Avon, which gave access inland The town itself is slightly genteel as far as Blandford and Salisbury. and decidedly not like a seaside Together with the sheltered har- resort. Instead it offers a peaceful 1. Christchurch 300 bour this made it an obvious site ambience with its riverside walks, 2. Town Centre 301 for early human settlement. The ancient Priory and other historic Red House Museum 304 Red House Museum has many buildings. Christchurch Priory 302 artefacts from all periods, includ- ing Palaeolithic handaxes made Beaches The Christchurch area St Michael’s Loft 304 400,000 years ago. offers stunning beaches from . Town Quay 304 along to Place Mill 305 The town underwent considerable on Mudeford Spit and on Norman Castle 300 development under the Saxons, Hengistbury Head. These are particularly in the late 9th century much less commercialised than Constable’s House 301 by Alfred the Great, when it was those at Bournemouth, but splen- 3. Marsh 299, 306 fortified against the Danes. In the did for family outings to the sea- Smugglers 306 12th century the Normans built side. In winter they are great for Bailey Bridges 306 the Priory and a castle here. As long bracing walks along the sands. ships increased in size and draught, 4. Mudeford Spit 307 Christchurch diminished as a port. Nature The nature reserves of Mudeford 307 Hengistbury Head, Stanpit Marsh 5. 308 Smuggling The quiet backwaters and St Catherine’s Hill are all very 6. Wick 299 of Stanpit Marsh were for a long good places to visit during the bird time the haunt of smugglers, who migration seasons. They also host 7. Hengistbury Head 308 landed their contraband goods out large numbers of plants, butterflies Double Dykes 308 of sight of the law. At the Battle of and dragonflies, some of which are 8. St Catherine’s Hill 305 Mudeford in 1784, the authorities nationally rare. The Natterjack failed to prevent the landing and Toad was recently reintroduced and spiriting away of large quantities of may be heard calling on evenings illicit alcohol and tea. during May or June.

Dorset Guide Book 1st edition by Charles Tait 362