Christchurch: A Pictorial History

Christchurch owes its existence to its natural features. The town is surrounded by large wide marshes at the confluence of its two rivers, the Stour and the Avon. This strategic position gave Christchurch its former name Tweoxneam, 'the town between the rivers'. Its harbour was sheltered by nearby Hengistbury Head, an easily defensible site in more turbulent days, as well as an excellent look-out ...