A historic town tour: Christchurch

This is the fifth instalment of our historic town tour series, where we take a closer look at some of the towns around Hampshire using the historic photograph collection we care for.

Here we look at some of the highlights of Christchurch, a town which now is part of Dorset but at the time of our photos was well and truly part of Hampshire.


Bridge Street, January 1915, with a steam lorry traversing the flood water.
The view down Castle Street from outside Square House after the 1908 snowstorm.
Christchurch Priory and graveyard.
The North East end of the High Street, c.1900.
The Blackwater Ferry at Christchurch, across the River Stour.
The Priory as viewed from the banks of the River Stour.
Church Street, looking towards the Priory.
Quay Road, looking towards Church Lane. The Red House Museum is on the left and the vicarage is on the right, c.1900.
Place Mill and bridge, c.1900.
A view of Hengistbury Head from the beach.
Three children sitting on a punt with a view of Haven Buildings. From across The Run at Mudeford. c.1900.

See more of our photographic collection on our Facebook, or search through our online collection through the following links:

Hampshire in Old Photographs

Transport in Old Photographs

Photographs | Hampshire Cultural Trust Online Collections
Photographs Our photographic collection contains topographical views of the county, its industries and inhabitants dating from the 1850’s to the present day, including representations of local photographers such as Terry Hunt of Basingstoke and William Savage of Winchester.

Visit the Red House Museum to learn more about Christchurch:

Red House Museum and Gardens | Hampshire Cultural Trust
A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times. Find out about the town’s ancient past with our displays about Saxon princes and Iron Age dwellers at Hengistbury Head, then take a glimpse at life in the 19th century in our Victorian bygone gallery. In our family area, you’ll find hands-on activities and dressing-up costumes, as well as quizzes and spotter trails.

This article was written by:
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Ben Murrey

Collections Assistant who looks after objects and makes them accessible to the public.
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