Name: Christchurch Castle and Norman House
Rating: 5.0

Christchurch Castle and Norman House

High Street, Christchurch BH23 1AS, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Christchurch Castle and Norman House The mound-top keep or great tower here was part of a large Norman castle that once dominated the town of Christchurch in Dorset. Nearby is the 12th century riverside chamber block known as the Norman House, one of the few remaining examples of domestic Norman architecture in England. Built in about 1160, it provided grand and comfortable living quarters for the lord of Christchurch. The tall circular Norman chimney is a particularly rare survival.

Begun in about 1100 under the de Redvers family, the castle passed to the Crown in 1293, and was attacked during the Civil War by Parliamentarian troops before being dismantled in 1651. The Norman House is one of the few surviving examples of Norman domestic architecture in England.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

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Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Christchurch Castle and Norman House: Today, two parts of Christchurch Castle survive – a typical motte-and-bailey castle, and a chamber block now known as the Norman House. The area between them, now a bowling green, was once the defended courtyard or bailey of the castle, and would have been filled with buildings.
Begun in about 1100 under the de Redvers family, the castle passed to the Crown in 1293, and was attacked during the Civil War by Parliamentarian troops before being dismantled in 1651. The Norman House is one of the few surviving examples of Norman domestic architecture in England.
Origins of Christchurch and the Castle: Christchurch Castle lies on the site of the Saxon fortified settlement of Twynham, or ‘the place between rivers’. A monastery had been founded in the area by Edward the Confessor (reigned 1042–66) in 1043. The presence of the monastery led to the site being renamed Christchurch in 1177.
The first castle, probably built of earth and timber, is known to have existed by 1107. It may have been built by Richard de Redvers (or Revières), a follower of William the Conqueror’s youngest son, Henry. After Henry became king in 1100 he rewarded Richard with extensive estates, including the manor of Christchurch. The castle was home to the de Redvers family for the next 150 years.
Christchurch was temporarily forfeited in 1136 as Richard’s son, Baldwin, 1st Earl of Devon, supported the Empress Matilda in her unsuccessful claim to the throne against that of King Stephen (r.1135–54). It was restored to the de Redvers later that year.
The great chamber block, later known as the Norman House, was built in about 1160, providing luxury accommodation for the earl and his family. The castle’s keep or great tower was rebuilt in stone in the late 12th century.
The castle passed to the Crown in 1293. Thereafter it was granted to several noble families, and the Norman House continued in use as the residence of the constable responsible for the security the buildings.

Facilities

Parking: There is a charged car park within three minutes of the site, not managed by English Heritage.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/christchurch-castle-and-norman-house/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: High Street, Christchurch BH23 1AS, UK

Post Code: BH23 1AS

Council: Bournemouth, Christc

County: Dorset

Road Access: Located in Christchurch, near the Priory.
Bus Access: Christchurch Town Centre bus stops, situated on the High Street, are 0.2 miles / 0.3 km from the site.
Train Access: Christchurch Station 0.6 mile / 1 km. To shorten the walk you can catch Bus 1B or 1C from nearby Stour Road to the Town Centre.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is a charged car park within three minutes of the site, not managed by English Heritage.