England

Today's Christchurch dates back to an Anglo-Saxon settlement in the early Middle Ages. It was first mentioned in documents in 900 in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as Tweoxneam. The town was fortified to protect it from Viking raids. The Domesday Book counted the settlement as part of the Crown Estate. A monastery was also built here in Anglo-Saxon times. The construction of a new monastery, Christchurch Priory, began around 1094. Parts of the previous building were integrated into the monastery church, while the remaining buildings were demolished. The new lord of the manor, Baldwin de Redvers, handed the site over to a predecessor order of Augustinians around 1150, who replaced the existing 24 secular canons with monks. In around 1100, Christchurch Castle was built to the north-east of the monastery complex in the form of a motte and bailey. In 1148, it was besieged and captured by Walter de Pinkney during the Anarchy. Its fortifications were subsequently strengthened, around 1160 a constable's house was added on the banks of the Avon, and after 1300 a keep was built in place of the motte. The castle only played an insignificant role in military conflicts and was mainly used as a residence. After the English Civil War, the castle was demolished following a decision by the English Parliament in 1651. Christchurch was granted a number of individual privileges during the Middle Ages and thus developed into a minor town. An existing weekly market, held on Mondays, was first mentioned in 1150. The associated market rights were held by the monastery. In the 12th century, permission was granted to hold a fair on Trinity Thursday, and in 1257 another in autumn on the feast day of Saint Faith. Christchurch has had a mayor since at least 1486. Christchurch's economic situation was considered poor, with numerous reports emphasising the poverty and low importance of the town and its surroundings, which were sparsely populated and off the main transport routes. The town's harbour was only important for local fishing. The reason for this was its poor accessibility Christchurch Priory is a former priory church that has long been used solely as a parish church. The history of the Priory dates back to at least the middle of the 11th century. According to the Domesday Book of 1086, there was a priory here with 24 secular canons at the time of Edward the Confessor. The priory is located on the site of an earlier church dating back to 800 AD. In 1094, Ranulf Flambard, then Dean of Twynham (= Christchurch), began building a church. By 1150, there was a simple Norman church consisting of a nave, a central tower and a chancel extending eastwards from the crossing. At this time, an Augustinian priory was founded here. Large parts of this church (e.g. the nave and the north transept) have been preserved. When the founding family died out around 1300, the priory initially passed to the royal family, then from 1330 to William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury. The nave of the church was newly vaulted around 1350. The chancel dates from the 15th century, which connected the church with the Lady Chapel, which had already been built around 1400. The current bell tower was built between 1470 and 1480. After the dissolution of the English monasteries in 1539, the remaining monastery buildings were demolished. The floor plan of the 91 (!) metre long, three-aisled church with a transept corresponds to a Latin cross, the layout of the Norman nave is three-storey basilica with galleries; the flat-closing late Gothic choir, on the other hand, has only two storeys.

Today's Christchurch dates back to an Anglo-Saxon settlement in the early Middle Ages. It was first mentioned in documents in 900 in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as Tweoxneam. The town was fortified to protect it from Viking raids. The Domesday Book counted the settlement as part of the Crown Estate. A monastery was also built here in Anglo-Saxon times. The construction of a new monastery, Christchurch Priory, began around 1094. Parts of the previous building were integrated into the monastery church, while the remaining buildings were demolished. The new lord of the manor, Baldwin de Redvers, handed the site over to a predecessor order of Augustinians around 1150, who replaced the existing 24 secular canons with monks. In around 1100, Christchurch Castle was built to the north-east of the monastery complex in the form of a motte and bailey. In 1148, it was besieged and captured by Walter de Pinkney during the Anarchy. Its fortifications were subsequently strengthened, around 1160 a constable's house was added on the banks of the Avon, and after 1300 a keep was built in place of the motte. The castle only played an insignificant role in military conflicts and was mainly used as a residence. After the English Civil War, the castle was demolished following a decision by the English Parliament in 1651. Christchurch was granted a number of individual privileges during the Middle Ages and thus developed into a minor town. An existing weekly market, held on Mondays, was first mentioned in 1150. The associated market rights were held by the monastery. In the 12th century, permission was granted to hold a fair on Trinity Thursday, and in 1257 another in autumn on the feast day of Saint Faith. Christchurch has had a mayor since at least 1486. Christchurch's economic situation was considered poor, with numerous reports emphasising the poverty and low importance of the town and its surroundings, which were sparsely populated and off the main transport routes. The town's harbour was only important for local fishing. The reason for this was its poor accessibility Christchurch Priory is a former priory church that has long been used solely as a parish church. The history of the Priory dates back to at least the middle of the 11th century. According to the Domesday Book of 1086, there was a priory here with 24 secular canons at the time of Edward the Confessor. The priory is located on the site of an earlier church dating back to 800 AD. In 1094, Ranulf Flambard, then Dean of Twynham (= Christchurch), began building a church. By 1150, there was a simple Norman church consisting of a nave, a central tower and a chancel extending eastwards from the crossing. At this time, an Augustinian priory was founded here. Large parts of this church (e.g. the nave and the north transept) have been preserved. When the founding family died out around 1300, the priory initially passed to the royal family, then from 1330 to William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury. The nave of the church was newly vaulted around 1350. The chancel dates from the 15th century, which connected the church with the Lady Chapel, which had already been built around 1400. The current bell tower was built between 1470 and 1480. After the dissolution of the English monasteries in 1539, the remaining monastery buildings were demolished. The floor plan of the 91 (!) metre long, three-aisled church with a transept corresponds to a Latin cross, the layout of the Norman nave is three-storey basilica with galleries; the flat-closing late Gothic choir, on the other hand, has only two storeys.

Today's Christchurch dates back to an Anglo-Saxon settlement in the early Middle Ages. It was first mentioned in documents in 900 in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as Tweoxneam. The town was fortified to protect it from Viking raids. The Domesday Book counted the settlement as part of the Crown Estate. A monastery was also built here in Anglo-Saxon times. The construction of a new monastery, Christchurch Priory, began around 1094. Parts of the previous building were integrated into the monastery church, while the remaining buildings were demolished. The new lord of the manor, Baldwin de Redvers, handed the site over to a predecessor order of Augustinians around 1150, who replaced the existing 24 secular canons with monks. In around 1100, Christchurch Castle was built to the north-east of the monastery complex in the form of a motte and bailey. In 1148, it was besieged and captured by Walter de Pinkney during the Anarchy. Its fortifications were subsequently strengthened, around 1160 a constable's house was added on the banks of the Avon, and after 1300 a keep was built in place of the motte. The castle only played an insignificant role in military conflicts and was mainly used as a residence. After the English Civil War, the castle was demolished following a decision by the English Parliament in 1651. Christchurch was granted a number of individual privileges during the Middle Ages and thus developed into a minor town. An existing weekly market, held on Mondays, was first mentioned in 1150. The associated market rights were held by the monastery. In the 12th century, permission was granted to hold a fair on Trinity Thursday, and in 1257 another in autumn on the feast day of Saint Faith. Christchurch has had a mayor since at least 1486. Christchurch's economic situation was considered poor, with numerous reports emphasising the poverty and low importance of the town and its surroundings, which were sparsely populated and off the main transport routes. The town's harbour was only important for local fishing. The reason for this was its poor accessibility Christchurch Priory is a former priory church that has long been used solely as a parish church. The history of the Priory dates back to at least the middle of the 11th century. According to the Domesday Book of 1086, there was a priory here with 24 secular canons at the time of Edward the Confessor. The priory is located on the site of an earlier church dating back to 800 AD. In 1094, Ranulf Flambard, then Dean of Twynham (= Christchurch), began building a church. By 1150, there was a simple Norman church consisting of a nave, a central tower and a chancel extending eastwards from the crossing. At this time, an Augustinian priory was founded here. Large parts of this church (e.g. the nave and the north transept) have been preserved. When the founding family died out around 1300, the priory initially passed to the royal family, then from 1330 to William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury. The nave of the church was newly vaulted around 1350. The chancel dates from the 15th century, which connected the church with the Lady Chapel, which had already been built around 1400. The current bell tower was built between 1470 and 1480. After the dissolution of the English monasteries in 1539, the remaining monastery buildings were demolished. The floor plan of the 91 (!) metre long, three-aisled church with a transept corresponds to a Latin cross, the layout of the Norman nave is three-storey basilica with galleries; the flat-closing late Gothic choir, on the other hand, has only two storeys. Detail of a choir stall

Today's Christchurch dates back to an Anglo-Saxon settlement in the early Middle Ages. It was first mentioned in documents in 900 in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as Tweoxneam. The town was fortified to protect it from Viking raids. The Domesday Book counted the settlement as part of the Crown Estate. A monastery was also built here in Anglo-Saxon times. The construction of a new monastery, Christchurch Priory, began around 1094. Parts of the previous building were integrated into the monastery church, while the remaining buildings were demolished. The new lord of the manor, Baldwin de Redvers, handed the site over to a predecessor order of Augustinians around 1150, who replaced the existing 24 secular canons with monks. In around 1100, Christchurch Castle was built to the north-east of the monastery complex in the form of a motte and bailey. In 1148, it was besieged and captured by Walter de Pinkney during the Anarchy. Its fortifications were subsequently strengthened, around 1160 a constable's house was added on the banks of the Avon, and after 1300 a keep was built in place of the motte. The castle only played an insignificant role in military conflicts and was mainly used as a residence. After the English Civil War, the castle was demolished following a decision by the English Parliament in 1651. Christchurch was granted a number of individual privileges during the Middle Ages and thus developed into a minor town. An existing weekly market, held on Mondays, was first mentioned in 1150. The associated market rights were held by the monastery. In the 12th century, permission was granted to hold a fair on Trinity Thursday, and in 1257 another in autumn on the feast day of Saint Faith. Christchurch has had a mayor since at least 1486. Christchurch's economic situation was considered poor, with numerous reports emphasising the poverty and low importance of the town and its surroundings, which were sparsely populated and off the main transport routes. The town's harbour was only important for local fishing. The reason for this was its poor accessibility Christchurch Priory is a former priory church that has long been used solely as a parish church. The history of the Priory dates back to at least the middle of the 11th century. According to the Domesday Book of 1086, there was a priory here with 24 secular canons at the time of Edward the Confessor. The priory is located on the site of an earlier church dating back to 800 AD. In 1094, Ranulf Flambard, then Dean of Twynham (= Christchurch), began building a church. By 1150, there was a simple Norman church consisting of a nave, a central tower and a chancel extending eastwards from the crossing. At this time, an Augustinian priory was founded here. Large parts of this church (e.g. the nave and the north transept) have been preserved. When the founding family died out around 1300, the priory initially passed to the royal family, then from 1330 to William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury. The nave of the church was newly vaulted around 1350. The chancel dates from the 15th century, which connected the church with the Lady Chapel, which had already been built around 1400. The current bell tower was built between 1470 and 1480. After the dissolution of the English monasteries in 1539, the remaining monastery buildings were demolished. The floor plan of the 91 (!) metre long, three-aisled church with a transept corresponds to a Latin cross, the layout of the Norman nave is three-storey basilica with galleries; the flat-closing late Gothic choir, on the other hand, has only two storeys. Detail of a choir stall - a chained monkey.

Today's Christchurch dates back to an Anglo-Saxon settlement in the early Middle Ages. It was first mentioned in documents in 900 in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as Tweoxneam. The town was fortified to protect it from Viking raids. The Domesday Book counted the settlement as part of the Crown Estate. A monastery was also built here in Anglo-Saxon times. The construction of a new monastery, Christchurch Priory, began around 1094. Parts of the previous building were integrated into the monastery church, while the remaining buildings were demolished. The new lord of the manor, Baldwin de Redvers, handed the site over to a predecessor order of Augustinians around 1150, who replaced the existing 24 secular canons with monks. In around 1100, Christchurch Castle was built to the north-east of the monastery complex in the form of a motte and bailey. In 1148, it was besieged and captured by Walter de Pinkney during the Anarchy. Its fortifications were subsequently strengthened, around 1160 a constable's house was added on the banks of the Avon, and after 1300 a keep was built in place of the motte. The castle only played an insignificant role in military conflicts and was mainly used as a residence. After the English Civil War, the castle was demolished following a decision by the English Parliament in 1651. Christchurch was granted a number of individual privileges during the Middle Ages and thus developed into a minor town. An existing weekly market, held on Mondays, was first mentioned in 1150. The associated market rights were held by the monastery. In the 12th century, permission was granted to hold a fair on Trinity Thursday, and in 1257 another in autumn on the feast day of Saint Faith. Christchurch has had a mayor since at least 1486. Christchurch's economic situation was considered poor, with numerous reports emphasising the poverty and low importance of the town and its surroundings, which were sparsely populated and off the main transport routes. The town's harbour was only important for local fishing. The reason for this was its poor accessibility Christchurch Priory is a former priory church that has long been used solely as a parish church. The history of the Priory dates back to at least the middle of the 11th century. According to the Domesday Book of 1086, there was a priory here with 24 secular canons at the time of Edward the Confessor. The priory is located on the site of an earlier church dating back to 800 AD. In 1094, Ranulf Flambard, then Dean of Twynham (= Christchurch), began building a church. By 1150, there was a simple Norman church consisting of a nave, a central tower and a chancel extending eastwards from the crossing. At this time, an Augustinian priory was founded here. Large parts of this church (e.g. the nave and the north transept) have been preserved. When the founding family died out around 1300, the priory initially passed to the royal family, then from 1330 to William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury. The nave of the church was newly vaulted around 1350. The chancel dates from the 15th century, which connected the church with the Lady Chapel, which had already been built around 1400. The current bell tower was built between 1470 and 1480. After the dissolution of the English monasteries in 1539, the remaining monastery buildings were demolished. The floor plan of the 91 (!) metre long, three-aisled church with a transept corresponds to a Latin cross, the layout of the Norman nave is three-storey basilica with galleries; the flat-closing late Gothic choir, on the other hand, has only two storeys. The Lady Chapel, added to the eastern end of the building in the 15th century

Portchester is known for its castle, its church and its swans.

Portchester Castle was developed within the walls of the Roman fort of Portus Adurni. It was part of the chain of forts on the coast and served as a defence against Germanic raiders and immigrants from the mainland. Portchester was probably also a base for the Classis Britannica, the Roman fleet that was supposed to secure the waters around Britain. The keep was probably built in the late 11th century and Portchester was taken under royal control in 1154. The monarchy controlled the castle for several centuries. It was besieged and captured by the French in 1216 before permanently returning to English control shortly thereafter. Occupying a commanding position at the head of Portsmouth Harbour, in the medieval period Portchester was an important port. The castle saw the embarkation for several campaigns to France led by England's kings. In anticipation of a French invasion during the first quarter of the 14th century, Edward II spent £1,100 repairing and reinforcing Portchester Castle. Later in its history, the castle was used as a prison.

The parish church St Mary was built in the 1130s by Norman masons in the outer bailey of the ruined Roman fort. The once cruciform church was built for an Augustinian priory which was established within the castle in 1128. Other buildings would have been planned for the priory, although almost no trace of them survives. As the Augustinians moved to a new site at Southwick between 1147 and 1150 already, the buildings may never have been completed.

The parish church St Mary was built in the 1130s by Norman masons in the outer bailey of the ruined Roman fort. The once cruciform church was built for an Augustinian priory which was established within the castle in 1128. Other buildings would have been planned for the priory, although almost no trace of them survives. As the Augustinians moved to a new site at Southwick between 1147 and 1150 already, the buildings may never have been completed.

The parish church St Mary was built in the 1130s by Norman masons in the outer bailey of the ruined Roman fort. The once cruciform church was built for an Augustinian priory which was established within the castle in 1128. Other buildings would have been planned for the priory, although almost no trace of them survives. As the Augustinians moved to a new site at Southwick between 1147 and 1150 already, the buildings may never have been completed.

The parish church St Mary was built in the 1130s by Norman masons in the outer bailey of the ruined Roman fort. The once cruciform church was built for an Augustinian priory which was established within the castle in 1128. Other buildings would have been planned for the priory, although almost no trace of them survives. As the Augustinians moved to a new site at Southwick between 1147 and 1150 already, the buildings may never have been completed. The Romanesque-Norman baptismal font is exceptionally well preserved. People and animals are entwined in tendrils all around.

The parish church St Mary was built in the 1130s by Norman masons in the outer bailey of the ruined Roman fort. The once cruciform church was built for an Augustinian priory which was established within the castle in 1128. Other buildings would have been planned for the priory, although almost no trace of them survives. As the Augustinians moved to a new site at Southwick between 1147 and 1150 already, the buildings may never have been completed. The Romanesque-Norman baptismal font is exceptionally well preserved. People and animals are entwined in tendrils all around - a detail.

The Norman-era church, named Romsey Abbey, now serves the parish. Until the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was the church of a Benedictine nunnery. The church was originally built during the 10th century. The religious community continued to grow and a village grew around it. Both suffered already in the 10th century, when Viking raiders sacked the village and burnt down the original church in 993. However, the abbey was rebuilt in stone in around 1000 and the village quickly recovered. The abbey and its community of nuns flourished and was renowned as a seat of learning – especially for the children of the nobility. In Norman times a substantial, new stone abbey was built on the old Anglo-Saxon foundation (circa 1130 to 1140). In this general period, the community prospered and by 1240 the nuns numbered more than 100. The abbey continued to grow and prosper until the Black Death struck the town in 1348. While it is thought that as much as half of the population of the town – which was then about 1,000 – died as a result, the number of nuns fell by over 80% to 19. 72 nuns died including Abbess Johanna. This so affected the area that the overall prosperity of the abbey dwindled. Although the community of nuns itself was forcibly dispersed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey buildings were not demolished. This was because the abbey church had a substantial section dedicated to St Lawrence which served as a place of worship for the townspeople.

The Norman-era church, named Romsey Abbey, now serves the parish. Until the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was the church of a Benedictine nunnery. The church was originally built during the 10th century. The religious community continued to grow and a village grew around it. Both suffered already in the 10th century, when Viking raiders sacked the village and burnt down the original church in 993. However, the abbey was rebuilt in stone in around 1000 and the village quickly recovered. The abbey and its community of nuns flourished and was renowned as a seat of learning – especially for the children of the nobility. In Norman times a substantial, new stone abbey was built on the old Anglo-Saxon foundation (circa 1130 to 1140). In this general period, the community prospered and by 1240 the nuns numbered more than 100. The abbey continued to grow and prosper until the Black Death struck the town in 1348. While it is thought that as much as half of the population of the town – which was then about 1,000 – died as a result, the number of nuns fell by over 80% to 19. 72 nuns died including Abbess Johanna. This so affected the area that the overall prosperity of the abbey dwindled. Although the community of nuns itself was forcibly dispersed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey buildings were not demolished. This was because the abbey church had a substantial section dedicated to St Lawrence which served as a place of worship for the townspeople. Corbels

The Norman-era church, named Romsey Abbey, now serves the parish. Until the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was the church of a Benedictine nunnery. The church was originally built during the 10th century. The religious community continued to grow and a village grew around it. Both suffered already in the 10th century, when Viking raiders sacked the village and burnt down the original church in 993. However, the abbey was rebuilt in stone in around 1000 and the village quickly recovered. The abbey and its community of nuns flourished and was renowned as a seat of learning – especially for the children of the nobility. In Norman times a substantial, new stone abbey was built on the old Anglo-Saxon foundation (circa 1130 to 1140). In this general period, the community prospered and by 1240 the nuns numbered more than 100. The abbey continued to grow and prosper until the Black Death struck the town in 1348. While it is thought that as much as half of the population of the town – which was then about 1,000 – died as a result, the number of nuns fell by over 80% to 19. 72 nuns died including Abbess Johanna. This so affected the area that the overall prosperity of the abbey dwindled. Although the community of nuns itself was forcibly dispersed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey buildings were not demolished. This was because the abbey church had a substantial section dedicated to St Lawrence which served as a place of worship for the townspeople. Corbels

The Norman-era church, named Romsey Abbey, now serves the parish. Until the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was the church of a Benedictine nunnery. The church was originally built during the 10th century. The religious community continued to grow and a village grew around it. Both suffered already in the 10th century, when Viking raiders sacked the village and burnt down the original church in 993. However, the abbey was rebuilt in stone in around 1000 and the village quickly recovered. The abbey and its community of nuns flourished and was renowned as a seat of learning – especially for the children of the nobility. In Norman times a substantial, new stone abbey was built on the old Anglo-Saxon foundation (circa 1130 to 1140). In this general period, the community prospered and by 1240 the nuns numbered more than 100. The abbey continued to grow and prosper until the Black Death struck the town in 1348. While it is thought that as much as half of the population of the town – which was then about 1,000 – died as a result, the number of nuns fell by over 80% to 19. 72 nuns died including Abbess Johanna. This so affected the area that the overall prosperity of the abbey dwindled. Although the community of nuns itself was forcibly dispersed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey buildings were not demolished. This was because the abbey church had a substantial section dedicated to St Lawrence which served as a place of worship for the townspeople. Corbels

The Norman-era church, named Romsey Abbey, now serves the parish. Until the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was the church of a Benedictine nunnery. The church was originally built during the 10th century. The religious community continued to grow and a village grew around it. Both suffered already in the 10th century, when Viking raiders sacked the village and burnt down the original church in 993. However, the abbey was rebuilt in stone in around 1000 and the village quickly recovered. The abbey and its community of nuns flourished and was renowned as a seat of learning – especially for the children of the nobility. In Norman times a substantial, new stone abbey was built on the old Anglo-Saxon foundation (circa 1130 to 1140). In this general period, the community prospered and by 1240 the nuns numbered more than 100. The abbey continued to grow and prosper until the Black Death struck the town in 1348. While it is thought that as much as half of the population of the town – which was then about 1,000 – died as a result, the number of nuns fell by over 80% to 19. 72 nuns died including Abbess Johanna. This so affected the area that the overall prosperity of the abbey dwindled. Although the community of nuns itself was forcibly dispersed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey buildings were not demolished. This was because the abbey church had a substantial section dedicated to St Lawrence which served as a place of worship for the townspeople. nave

The Norman-era church, named Romsey Abbey, now serves the parish. Until the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was the church of a Benedictine nunnery. The church was originally built during the 10th century. The religious community continued to grow and a village grew around it. Both suffered already in the 10th century, when Viking raiders sacked the village and burnt down the original church in 993. However, the abbey was rebuilt in stone in around 1000 and the village quickly recovered. The abbey and its community of nuns flourished and was renowned as a seat of learning – especially for the children of the nobility. In Norman times a substantial, new stone abbey was built on the old Anglo-Saxon foundation (circa 1130 to 1140). In this general period, the community prospered and by 1240 the nuns numbered more than 100. The abbey continued to grow and prosper until the Black Death struck the town in 1348. While it is thought that as much as half of the population of the town – which was then about 1,000 – died as a result, the number of nuns fell by over 80% to 19. 72 nuns died including Abbess Johanna. This so affected the area that the overall prosperity of the abbey dwindled. Although the community of nuns itself was forcibly dispersed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey buildings were not demolished. This was because the abbey church had a substantial section dedicated to St Lawrence which served as a place of worship for the townspeople. On the right side of the capital there is a scroll between two people. It reads 'Robert look about you', with what one assumes is the Abbess overlooking everything with a very satisfied look on her face. The other wording on the left translates as 'Robert made me'.