CHRISTCHURCH CASTLE

Hampshire

This is the town that gave New Zealand's Christchurch its name.  The town is dominated by the Priory Church, but has much to offer the discerning tourist.

Amongst its other ancient buildings stand the remains of its Castle; chiefly consisting of the keep (pictured) and the 'Norman House' (or sometimes 'Constable's House').  The original Castle was probably constructed around 1160 by Richard de Redvers, although a wooden Castle quite possibly existed on the motte before then.  It is quite possible that the keep was remodelled slightly later in the Middle Ages.

Little of note happened here until the Civil War when the keep, already derelict, was used as a last refuge by some Roundhead soldiers who managed to hold out here whilst the town was sacked.  Afterwards the Castle was slighted.

The Castle and Norman House are owned by English Heritage and are free and available at all times.

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2018