Christchurch Castle and The Constables Keep

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Christchurch Castle, built high on its Motte replaced a wooden version around 1190. They both shared the same dark purpose, to keep the natives under the thumb of the Norman conquerors, who enforced the New Forest Laws and ensured the defence of the feudal Lord and his family against all comers. The Castle was supplimented by the less military and more benign Constables Keep. Again a stone building, this actually pre-dated the stone castle by about 20 years but it was constructed within the outer perimeter defences of the Castle. It boasts the oldest standing Norman chimney that is still part of a recognisable building. The castle fell into disuse until the civil war of the mid 17th century. After taking the castle from the Royalists, the parlimentarians withstood a bitter siege using the thick walls as their defence. When hostilities ended, Cromwell had the place torn down so it could never again be used for military purposes. Thats how it remains to this day. Today this is a quiet place in the middle of a bustling town with beautiful river walks nearby, leading to Christchurch Priory and Quay.

The imposing, heavy presence was intentional. High up on a steep man made hill (or Motte) Christchurch Castle looks intimidatingly over the town of Christchurch. It was built around 1190 and destroyed by the Parlimentarians in the mid 17th century. The Parlimentarians gained and defended this castle against the Royalists. To ensure it could not be used for any future insurrection they pulled most of it down, leaving what there is today.

The nine foot (3 meter) thick walls relied heavily on local stone. Here we can see use distinctive red coloured ironstone doggers from Hengistbury Head

The arch of the castle entrance still stands, even after 800 years and deliberate attempts to destroy it

The view of the Keep from the road. The Keep is tucked away from the main road through Christchurch and nestles just below the Bridge over the river Avon. It lies along the mill stream and is usually a quiet place with only a few visitors.

The Keep is open all year round and there is no admission charge or any officials for that matter! The Keep has the oldest Norman chimney that is still part of a building in England

Looking up the great chimney. This was at one time a place for the wealthy, who could afford such a large chimney and the associated fire. More information on Christchurch Castle and Keep can be found at the following website www.communigate.co.uk page