The remains of Christchurch Castle, which along with the Constable's House nearby feature in so many photographs of Christchurch, can be found within the old town near to Christchurch Priory and just west of the River Avon. The Castle Keep towers above properties in Church Street. It is best viewed from Castle Street, from where access to the keep is possible, or from Convent Walk, a pedestrian pathway from Town Bridge to Town Quay, which follows the Mill Stream as it flows past many examples of Christchurch's heritage including the Constable's Hall (also known as the Norman House), Christchurch Priory and Place Mill on its way into Christchurch Harbour.

The town had been a fortified burgh under the Saxons and was the local administrative centre, similar to Wareham, Wilton and Southampton. Within a few years of the Norman Conquest in 1066 strict laws were introduced concerning the New Forest and needed to be enforced. Consequently a Norman castle of the motte and bailey type was built within the Saxon burgh (fort) of Tweoxneam, later known as Twynham, perhaps in the 1070's. The situation of the castle was chosen to fulfil several military needs: to overawe the Saxon population and to give protection for the feudal family and retainers of the new Norman Lord. It was also to protect the harbour and places further inland, which could be reached via the rivers Stour or Avon, from seabourne raiders. The castle undoubtedly helped to protect Sarum (Salisbury) on the River Avon from attack in this manner, a technique used by the Vikings before the Norman invasion.

© Michael Hodges 2003

ISBN 9781897887370

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