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2(a). A History of Christchurch Dorset in Brief
The town originates from approximately 350 AD. The church was founded by missionaries sent to Wessex by St Birinus, the first Bishop of Dorchester on Thames and its close proximity to the Cherbourg Peninsula in France made it an important trading port and a potential target for invasion during a number of wars. Situated on a stretch of raised, and well drained, land at the lowest crossing points of the river Avon and the river Stour, it was originally known as Tweoxneam (Twynham) from Old English betweoxn (between) and éam (rivers). Christchurch, listed as Twynham, has two entries in the Domesday Book, being part of the Edgegate Hundred, with forty-seven households. Christchurch’s importance derives from the two rivers which carried people and their wares to and from settlements such as Blandford, and until about 1735 boats of up to 25 tons were able to travel up the river Avon as far as Salisbury.
The Christchurch Local History Society, which in 2011 became Christchurch History Society, has erected nineteen plaques around the centre of Christchurch on buildings of historic interest, or as close to the original location following redevelopment having taken place. The plaques are used in some virtual tours of the Priory Area, the High Street Area and the Bargates Area of Christchurch. The plaques are located at the following places:-
1. Saxon Cemetery – More information in the Bargate Historic Walk on this Website.
2. Pound – More information in the High Street Historic Walk on this Website
3. Bargate – More information in the High Street Historic Walk on this Website
4. Town Hall – More information in the High Street Historic Walk on this Website
5. Site of Robert Cox’s House – More information in the High Street Historic Walk on this Website
6. George and Dragon Inn (The George) – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
7. 6/6a Castle Street – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
8. Perfumery (New Forest Perfumery and Tea Rooms) – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
9. Convent Walk – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
10. Place Mill – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
11. Priory House – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
12. Workhouse (now the Red House Museum) – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
13. Saxon Defences – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
14. Bus Turntable – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
15. Priory Courthouse – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
16. Bookends – More information in the Priory Historic Walk on this Website
17. Regent Centre – More information in the High Street Historic Walk on this Website
18. Old Tolsey – More information in the High Street Historic Walk on this Website
19. Bow House – More information in the High Street Historic Walk on this Website
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