The Town of Christchurch-Twyneham

The construction of a castle and monastery transformed the fortified settlement of Twyneham.

Christchurch town at the end of the 12th century.A thriving community existed around the priory, castle and port. (Drawing by Ivan Lapper) © English HeritageIn 1043, Edward the Confessor founded a monastery of 24 secular canons, probably on the site of an earlier Saxon church. The monastic buildings, of which only the church remains today, were rebuilt in about 1095 by Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham. Shortly afterwards, the name of the town was changed to Christchurch, because of the importance of the monastery, which later became a priory.

The outer bailey of Christchurch castle contained timber domestic buildings, such as lodgings, kitchens and stables. The town and monastery of Christchurch passed to Richard de Redvers in 1100, who began the construction of this castle. The lord's house, which contained his private apartments, is the only building that has survived.