Christchurch - Priory Church

Off the busy main street in Christchurch the Priory Church (1150) is worth visiting. Its dimensions are more appropriate to a cathedral rather than a parish church (312ft/95m long). The Norman nave (about 1093) has a beautiful Early English triforium; the north porch dates from about 1300. Notable features of the interior are the 14th century choir screen, the reredos (completed in the Decorated style in about 1350 but only partially retained) representing the Tree of Jesse, the 12th century font made of Purbeck marble in the north choir aisle and the tomb of Anne Pugin (d. 1832) in front of Berkeley Chapel. Anne Pugin's husband, the master builder A. W. N. Pugin, donated the main altar. The remains of a 12th century Norman castle and of Constable's house (about 1160) can also be visited.