Christchurch, Dorset

{{Short description|Town and civil parish in Dorset, England}} {{Good article}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}} {{Use British English|date=January 2013}} {{Infobox settlement  | name = Christchurch | other_name = | settlement_type = [[Town]] and [[civil parish]] | image_skyline = Christchurch Priory, Dorset.tiff | image_alt = West end and tower of the priory against a bright blue sky | image_caption = [[Christchurch Priory]], the longest parish church in England | image_shield = [[File:Arms_of_Christchurch_Town_Council.svg|150px|Image: 150 pixels]] | shield_alt = | motto = {{force singular}} 'For Fidelity and Freedom' | image_map = Christchurch UK locator map.svg | map_caption = Location of former Christchurch borough (dark red) within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (red) | coordinates = {{coord|50.73|-1.78|display=inline,title}} | coor_pinpoint = | coordinates_footnotes = | subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Sovereign state]] | subdivision_name = United Kingdom | subdivision_type1 = [[Countries of the United Kingdom|Constituent country]] | subdivision_type2 = [[Regions of England|Region]] | subdivision_type3 = [[Ceremonial counties of England|Ceremonial county]] | subdivision_type4 = [[Historic counties of England|Historic county]] | subdivision_type5 = [[Unitary authorities of England|Unitary authority]] | subdivision_name1 = [[England]] | subdivision_name2 = [[South West England]] | subdivision_name3 = [[Dorset]] | subdivision_name4 = [[Hampshire]] | subdivision_name5 = [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole]] | established_title3 = | established_date3 = | government_footnotes = | government_type = [[Borough council]] | governing_body = [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council]] | leader_title = | leader_name = | leader_title1 = [[List of MPs elected in the 2024 United Kingdom general election|MP]]: | leader_name1 = [[Christopher Chope]] ([[Conservative Party (UK)|C]]) | unit_pref = Metric | area_footnotes = <ref name=2001census>{{cite web|url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadAreaSearch.do?a=7&r=1&i=1001&m=0&s=1277383342265&enc=1&areaSearchText=christchurch&areaSearchType=13&extendedList=true&searchAreas|title=Census 2001|publisher=[[Office for National Statistics]]|year=2001|access-date=6 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622125834/http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadAreaSearch.do?a=7&r=1&i=1001&m=0&s=1277383342265&enc=1&areaSearchText=christchurch&areaSearchType=13&extendedList=true&searchAreas|archive-date=22 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> | area_total_km2 = 50.4 | population_total = 31,372 | population_as_of = 2021 census | population_footnotes = <ref name="bua2011">{{cite web |title=Christchurch |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/southwestengland/admin/bournemouth_christchurch/E04012814__christchurch/ |website=City population |access-date=25 October 2022}}</ref> | population_density_km2 = 909 | population_demonym = | population_note = | timezone1 = [[Greenwich Mean Time]] | utc_offset1 = +0 | timezone1_DST = | utc_offset1_DST = | postal_code_type = Postcode | postal_code = [[BH postcode area|BH23]] | postal2_code_type = [[Post town]] | postal2_code = {{Smallcaps|christchurch}} | area_codes = 01202<br />01425 | area_code_type = | iso_code = | website = [https://www.christchurch-tc.gov.uk/ Town Council] | footnotes = | blank_name = [[ISO 3166-2:GB|ISO 3166-2]] | blank_info = GB-DOR <small>([[Dorset]])</small> | blank1_name = [[ONS coding system|ONS code]] | blank1_info = 19UC (ONS)<br />E07000048 (GSS) | blank2_name = [[British national grid reference system|OS grid reference]] | blank2_info = {{gbmappingsmall|SZ156923}} | official_name = }} '''Christchurch''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|r|aɪ|s|(|t|)|tʃ|ɜr|tʃ}}) is a town and [[civil parish]] on the south coast<ref>{{cite web |title=Christchurch |url=http://data.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/doc/7000000000175160 |publisher=[[Ordnance Survey]] |access-date=8 June 2019}}</ref> of [[Dorset]], England. The parish had a population of 31,372 in 2021.<ref name="bua2011"/> It adjoins [[Bournemouth]] to the west, with the [[New Forest]] to the east. Part of the [[Historic counties of England|historic county]] of [[Hampshire]], Christchurch was a [[Borough status in the United Kingdom|borough]] within the administrative county of Dorset from 1974 until 2019, when it became part of the new [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole]] unitary authority.

Founded in the 7th century at the [[confluence]] of the rivers [[River Avon (Hampshire)|Avon]] and [[River Stour, Dorset|Stour]] which flow into [[Christchurch Harbour]], the town was originally named Twynham but became known as Christchurch following the construction of the [[Christchurch Priory|priory]] in 1094. The town developed into an important trading port, and was [[Burh|fortified]] in the 9th century. Further defences were added in the 12th century with the construction of a [[Christchurch Castle|castle]], which was destroyed during the [[English Civil War]] by the [[Roundhead|Parliamentarian Army]]. During the 18th and 19th centuries, [[smuggling]] flourished and became one of the town's most lucrative industries. The town was heavily fortified during the [[Second World War]] as a precaution against an expected [[Operation Sea Lion|invasion]], and in 1940 an [[Airspeed Ltd.|Airspeed]] factory was established on the town's [[Christchurch Airfield|airfield]] to make aircraft for the [[Royal Air Force]].

The town's harbour, beaches, nature reserves and historically important buildings have made Christchurch a popular tourist destination. [[Bournemouth Airport]], an [[international airport]] which handled around 800,000 passengers in 2019, is within the former borough boundary at [[Hurn]]. The airport's [[industrial park]] contains a number of [[aerospace]] and engineering businesses and is one of the largest employment sites in Dorset.

==History== {{Main|History of Christchurch, Dorset}} Christchurch was founded in approximately AD 650 by [[Missionary|missionaries]] sent to [[Wessex]] by [[Birinus|St Birinus]], the first [[Bishop of Winchester|Bishop of Dorchester]] (Oxfordshire). They settled on a stretch of raised land between the rivers [[Hampshire Avon|Avon]] and [[River Stour, Dorset|Stour]] which carried people and their wares to and from market settlements such as [[Blandford Forum|Blandford]] and [[Old Sarum]] (near modern [[Salisbury, Wiltshire|Salisbury]]).<ref name="Stannard 1999 1">Stannard (1999) p. 1.</ref> The harbour became one of the most important in [[Anglo-Saxons|Saxon]] England as it was easily reached from the [[Continental Europe|continent]] and boats could travel up the river Avon to Salisbury.<ref name="Stannard 1999 1"/><ref>Stannard (1999) p. 208.</ref> The town appears in the ''[[Anglo-Saxon Chronicle]]'' entry of 901 as ''Tweoxneam'' (Twynham) from [[Old English]] ''betweoxn'' (between) and ''ēam'' (rivers).<ref>Hill, Rumble (1996) p. 107 & 198.</ref> In around 890 AD, [[Alfred the Great]] considered Twynham to be of such strategic importance that, with the threat of invasion by the [[Danes]], he made it a [[burh]] and defensive walls were erected around the town.<ref name="Stannard 1999 3">Stannard (1999) p. 3.</ref> In 1094 a chief minister of [[William II of England|King William II]], [[Ranulf Flambard]], then [[Dean (religion)|Dean]] of Twynham, began the building of [[Christchurch Priory|a priory]] on the site of the original mission church.<ref name="Taylor 1994 1"/><ref>Hodges (2003) p. 6.</ref> Soon after the construction of the priory the town became known as Christchurch.<ref name="Taylor 1994 1">Taylor (1994) p. 1.</ref>

[[File:ChristchurchCastle.jpg|thumb|[[Christchurch Castle]] ruins]] Some time in the early 12th century, a [[Christchurch Castle|castle]] was built within the town.<ref name="Moxey 1997 pp. 89–90">Moxey (1997) pp. 89–90.</ref> Originally a wooden fort built by [[Richard de Redvers (died 1107)|Richard de Redvers]], first cousin to [[King Henry I of England|King Henry I]], it was rebuilt in stone by [[Baldwin de Redvers, 1st Earl of Devon|Baldwin de Redvers]] to resist [[Stephen of England|King Stephen]] during the [[The Anarchy|civil war]] with the [[Empress Matilda]]. The castle again saw action during the [[English Civil War|Civil War of 1642–1651]] when occupied by the [[Roundheads|Parliamentarians]]. Christchurch changed hands a number of times: originally under [[Cavaliers|Royalist]] control, it was captured by Sir [[William Waller]]'s Parliamentary army in 1644. [[George Goring, 1st Earl of Norwich|Lord Goring]] briefly retook the town in 1645 but was obliged to withdraw and returned with a larger force days later and laid siege to the castle. However, the Parliamentarians withstood the siege and maintained their hold on the town. Fearing such a powerful stronghold might once again fall into Royalist hands, [[Oliver Cromwell|Cromwell]] ordered the castle to be destroyed in 1652.<ref name="Moxey 1997 pp. 89–90" /><ref name="Stannard p135/136">Stannard (1999) pp. 135–136.</ref>

Although the fishing industry thrived in Christchurch, the importance of the harbour declined as it became inaccessible to vessels of a large draught. The harbour entrance was particularly troublesome with constantly shifting sandbars. In 1665 [[Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon]], bought the [[Lord of the Manor|Lordship of the Manor]] of Christchurch. As part of his plans to improve trade in the town, he attempted to resolve the problems with the harbour entrance by cutting a new one through the [[Spit (landform)|sandspit]] at the foot of [[Hengistbury Head]]. However, upon completion the new entrance repeatedly silted up and in 1703 [[Great Storm of 1703|a large storm]] damaged a [[groyne]] which blocked the entrance entirely. Over the following 150 years alternative schemes were proposed but none were ever taken up.<ref>Stannard (1999) pp. 210–211.</ref>

[[File:Hart's Factory Side Elevation.JPG|thumb|left|Hart's Fusee Factory, built in 1845. The manufacture of [[Fusee (horology)|fusee]] chains was an important industry in 19th-century Christchurch.]] [[Smuggling]] was one of Christchurch's most lucrative industries during the 18th and 19th centuries due to easy access to neighbouring towns and the difficult harbour entrance which acted as a barrier to [[Cutter (boat)#Customs services|customs cutters]].<ref name="Hodges 2003 5">Hodges (2003) p. 5.</ref><ref>Stannard (1999) p. 178.</ref> Many townspeople were involved in this illegal trade and large quantities of wealth were accumulated.<ref>Moxey (1997) p. 92.</ref> In 1784 a confrontation between a gang of local smugglers and [[Her Majesty's Customs and Excise|Customs and Excise]] officers led to the [[Battle of Mudeford]] in which a [[Royal Navy]] officer was killed and a smuggler subsequently executed.<ref name="Powell 1995">Powell (1995) pp. 46–47.</ref> Another important industry during this period was the manufacture of [[Fusee (horology)|fusee chains]] for watches and clocks. In 1790, Robert Cox began to manufacture fusee chains in workshops in the High Street.<ref>Stannard (1999) p. 193.</ref> By 1793 Cox gained a monopoly on chain production in Britain, supplying watch, clock and [[Chronometer watch|chronometer]] makers throughout the country.<ref name="Moxey 1997 82–83">Moxey (1997) pp. 82–83.</ref> In 1845 William Hart opened a similar factory in Bargates. However, by 1875 the chains were no longer required due to changes in watch designs and the factories were closed.<ref name="Stannard 1999 197">Stannard (1999) p. 197.</ref>

The railway came to Christchurch in 1847 although the nearest station, Christchurch Road, was at [[Holmsley railway station|Holmsley]] and passengers were taken the rest of the way by omnibus.<ref name="Taylor 1994 3">Taylor (1994) p. 3.</ref> In 1862 [[Christchurch (RC&BR) railway station|a new station]] was built in the town close to where it stands today and was served by a branch line from [[Ringwood, Hampshire|Ringwood]]. Christchurch joined the mainline in 1883, and a [[Christchurch railway station, Dorset|third station]] had to be built.<ref>Newman (1998) p. 34.</ref> Christchurch, and in particular [[Mudeford]], had been enjoying a modest tourist trade since [[George III of the United Kingdom|King George III]] had patronised the town in the 1790s but the arrival of the railways made Christchurch accessible to more potential visitors.<ref name="Hodges 2003 p. 116">Hodges (2003) p. 116.</ref><ref>Newman (2009) p. 39.</ref> A [[power station]] was built in Christchurch in 1903 to power the public [[tram]]s. The excess generated was sufficient to light the town, and it was added to the [[National grid (UK)|national grid]] in 1940.<ref name="Moxey 1997 82">Moxey (1997) p. 82.</ref>

[[File:405fw-p47-2.jpg|thumb|A [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt|P-47 Thunderbolt]] of the [[405th Fighter Wing]] at [[RAF Christchurch]], 1944]] The Fisher Aviation Company began to provide flights from fields at the eastern end of [[Somerford, Dorset|Somerford]] Road in 1930, and by 1933 the company had flown over 19,000 passengers.<ref>Stannard (1999) pp. 226–228.</ref> In 1934, they obtained permission to establish an [[aerodrome]] on the site which became known as [[Christchurch Airfield]].<ref>Stannard (1999) pp. 228–229.</ref> During the Second World War an [[Airspeed Ltd|Airspeed factory]] was built on the airfield, and began manufacturing aircraft for the [[RAF]]; the [[United States Army Air Forces|USAAF]] [[Ninth Air Force]] established a base there in 1944. A [[RAF Hurn|second aerodrome]] opened at [[Hurn]] in 1944 which became [[Bournemouth Airport]]. In 1940, with the [[6th Army (Wehrmacht)|German 6th Army]] at [[Cherbourg]], Christchurch was fortified against an expected invasion:<ref>Hodges (2003) pp. 51 & 90.</ref> the construction of [[Bunker#Pillbox|pillbox]]es, gun emplacements and [[tank trap]]s in and around the town, made Christchurch an "anti-tank island".<ref name="Hodges 2003 88–94">Hodges (2003) pp. 88–94.</ref> Between 1941 and 1942 [[Donald Bailey (civil engineer)|Donald Bailey]] developed the [[Bailey bridge]] at the [[Military Engineering Experimental Establishment]] at Christchurch Barracks.<ref name="Stannard 1999 241">Stannard (1999) p. 241.</ref>

Much development with a large increase in housing occurred from the mid-18th century. In 1873, {{convert|300|acre}} of common land north of the town known as Portfield was enclosed and built upon and the town's population rapidly expanded.<ref>Taylor (1994) plate no.123.</ref><ref>Newman (1998) p. 8 & 25.</ref><ref>Newman (2009) p. 8.</ref> During the 20th century further development has seen the population grown from a little over 11,000 to more than 45,000.<ref name="Visionof2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_TOT_POP&u_id=10056834&c_id=10001043&add=N |title=A Vision of Britain Through Time |publisher=[[University of Portsmouth]] |year=2009 |access-date=30 July 2010}}</ref> In the 1950s a large housing estate was built to the east of the town centre and in 1958 a bypass was constructed which redirected traffic using the town's high street as the main thoroughfare to and from London and Southampton.<ref>Newman (2009) pp. 8–10.</ref> In 1974 the town was transferred from the county of [[Hampshire]] to Dorset following [[Local Government Act 1972|local government reorganisation]] and was granted [[Borough status in the United Kingdom|borough status]] by a [[Royal Charter]].<ref name="Hodges 2003 5"/><ref name="Taylor">Taylor (1994) ''intro''.</ref>

==Government and politics== [[File:Christchurch, the old town hall - geograph.org.uk - 503951.jpg|thumb|The [[The Town Hall, Christchurch|Old Town Hall]], built 1859]] There are two tiers of local government covering Christchurch, at [[civil parish]] (town) and [[Unitary authorities of England|unitary authority]] level: Christchurch Town Council, and [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council]]. The town council is based at the [[The Town Hall, Christchurch|Old Town Hall]] at 30 High Street, which was built in 1859.<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact us |url=https://www.christchurch-tc.gov.uk/contact/ |website=Christchurch Town Council |access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE|desc=The Town Hall, 30 High Street|grade=II|num=1324677}}</ref>

===Administrative history=== Christchurch was historically in Hampshire and was both an [[ancient borough]] and an [[ancient parish]]. The parish extended beyond the borough, also including a large surrounding rural area. The borough was given a [[municipal charter|royal charter]] in 1315, confirming earlier borough rights which had been granted by the [[Earl of Devon|De Redvers family]] as [[lord of the manor|lords of the manor]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the Municipal Corporations in England and Wales: Appendix 2 |date=1835 |page=1253 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3FTAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA1253 |access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref> The borough is known to have had a [[Mayors in England|mayor]] from at least 1297.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the Mayor |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/370225 |website=Dorset for You |access-date=29 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323075518/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/370225 |archive-date=23 March 2012}}</ref> It was reformed to become a [[municipal borough]] in 1886.<ref>{{cite book |title=Kelly's Directory of Hampshire |date=1911 |page=151 |url=https://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4/id/56739/rec/1 |access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref>

The parish of Christchurch was gradually subdivided into smaller civil parishes. The [[chapelry]] of [[Holdenhurst]] was a separate civil parish from medieval times.<ref name=Holdenhurst>{{cite book |last1=Youngs |first1=Frederic |title=Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England: Volume 1 |date=1979 |publisher=Royal Historical Society |location=London |isbn=0901050679 |page=210}}</ref> As the town of [[Bournemouth]] began to develop from the early 19th century, it initially straddled the parishes of Christchurch and Holdenhurst, continuing to do so even after Bournemouth was made a borough in 1890. The [[Local Government Act 1894]] directed that parishes were no longer allowed to straddle borough boundaries. The parish of Christchurch was therefore reduced to match the borough of Christchurch, and a parish of Bournemouth was created matching that borough. The parts of the old Christchurch and Holdenhurst parishes outside the two boroughs were split into six [[rural parish]]es: Christchurch East, Holdenhurst, [[Hurn]], [[Pokesdown]], [[Southbourne, Dorset|Southbourne]] and [[Winton, Dorset|Winton]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Annual Report of the Local Government Board |date=1895 |page=277 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gFIwAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA277 |access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Christchurch Ancient Parish / Civil Parish |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10015923 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref> The southern part of Christchurch East was made a separate parish called [[Highcliffe]] in 1897. Highcliffe was subsequently absorbed into the parish and borough of Christchurch in 1932.<ref>{{cite web |title=Highcliffe Parochial Area / Civil Parish |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10101876#tab02 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Christchurch Civic Offices - Geograph - 2025471.jpg|thumb|left|Civic Offices, Bridge Street: Christchurch Borough Council's headquarters 1980–2019]] The old municipal borough of Christchurch was abolished in 1974 under the [[Local Government Act 1972]] and replaced with a larger [[non-metropolitan district]] of Christchurch, which was transferred from Hampshire to Dorset. Christchurch's [[Borough status in the United Kingdom|borough status]] was transferred to the new district, allowing the council to take the name [[Christchurch Borough Council]] and giving the chair of the council the title of mayor, continuing Christchurch's series of mayors dating back to the 13th century.<ref>{{cite web |title=District Councils and Boroughs |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1974/mar/28/district-councils-and-boroughs#S5CV0871P0_19740328_CWA_145 |website=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]] |access-date=4 December 2021 |date=28 March 1974}}</ref> The new borough covered the area of the old borough plus the parish of Hurn (including an area transferred to it from [[Sopley]]) and a new parish of [[Burton, Dorset|Burton]], created from the western part of the old Christchurch East parish. The remainder of Christchurch East became a new parish called [[Bransgore]] and stayed in Hampshire as part of the [[New Forest District]].<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government Act 1972|year=1972|chapter=70|schedule=1|access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The New Parishes Order 1973|year=1973|number=688|access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref>

Christchurch Borough Council was a lower-tier district council, with county-level services provided by [[Dorset County Council]]. The borough council was initially based at the Town Hall, which at that time was much larger, incorporating adjoining former school buildings to the rear. In 1980 the council moved to new Civic Offices on Bridge Street, after which most of the Town Hall was demolished to make way for the Saxon Square shopping centre, retaining only the original 1859 section.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lambert |first1=Tim |title=A History of Christchurch |url=https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-christchurch-england/ |website=Local Histories |date=14 March 2021 |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref>

The borough of Christchurch was abolished in 2019, merging with Bournemouth and [[Poole]] to become a new [[non-metropolitan district|local government district]] called [[Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole]], the council of which is a [[Unitary authorities of England|unitary authority]], being a district council which also performs the functions of a county council.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole (Structural Changes) Order 2018|year=2018|number=648|article=3|access-date=24 June 2024}}</ref> The merger was opposed by Christchurch Borough Council, which unsuccessfully challenged the government's decision to proceed with it in the courts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Christchurch appeal bid refused over council merger |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-45141810 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=BBC News |date=10 August 2018}}</ref>

Ahead of the borough's abolition in 2019, the parishes in the borough were reviewed. The existing parish of Burton was renamed 'Burton and Winkton', and the [[Unparished area|unparished]] part of the borough (corresponding to the pre-1974 municipal borough of Christchurch) was made into two new parishes, one called Christchurch and the other called 'Highcliffe and Walkford'. The new parish arrangements took effect on 1 April 2019, being the same day that the old borough was replaced by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.<ref>{{cite web |title=Christchurch Community Committee, 22 August 2018 |url=https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/CeListDocuments.aspx?CommitteeId=178&MeetingId=330&DF=22%2f08%2f2018&Ver=2 |website=Christchurch Borough Council | date=22 August 2018 |access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref> The new Christchurch parish council takes the style 'town council', with its chair being the mayor. The Old Town Hall was transferred to the new town council, which uses it as its headquarters.<ref>{{cite news|date=20 August 2018|title=Christchurch to get new town council when super council comes in|work=Bournemouth Echo|url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16586311.new-parish-plans/|access-date=23 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Council meeting, 11 December 2018: Reports pack |url=https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Data/Christchurch%20Full%20Council/201812111800/Agenda/Public%20reports%20pack.pdf |website=Christchurch Borough Council |access-date=29 June 2024 |pages=38, 54}}</ref> The Civic Offices on Bridge Street transferred to the BCP Council. They were closed in 2021 pending a proposed sale, after the new council consolidated its offices at [[Bournemouth Town Hall]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Simpson |first1=Matt |title=Christchurch: BCP Council 'wasted' £500k on unused building |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23910038.christchurch-bcp-council-wasted-500k-unused-building/ |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Daily Echo |date=9 November 2023}}</ref>

===Parliamentary representation=== Christchurch is represented by a [[Christchurch (UK Parliament constituency)|single parliamentary constituency]] in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]]. The seat was recreated in 1983 from parts of the [[Christchurch and Lymington (UK Parliament constituency)|Christchurch and Lymington]], [[North Dorset (UK Parliament constituency)|North Dorset]] and [[New Forest (UK Parliament constituency)|New Forest]] constituencies, and was held by [[Robert Adley (British politician)|Robert Adley]] (Conservative) from its creation until his death in 1993. At the [[1993 Christchurch by-election|by-election]] [[Diana Maddock]] [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|(Liberal Democrat)]] was elected with a [[Swing (politics)|swing]] of 35.4%, one of the largest-ever swings against a sitting party.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/byelection/2012579/Crewe-and-Nantwich-by-election-A-history-of-by-election-upsets.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911072620/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/byelection/2012579/Crewe-and-Nantwich-by-election-A-history-of-by-election-upsets.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 September 2012 |title= A History of By-election upsets |author=Robyn Powell |date=23 May 2010 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=2 August 2010}}</ref> The seat was retaken by Conservative candidate [[Christopher Chope]] in 1997, and retained in 2001 and 2005. In the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]], Chope retained his seat with a considerable majority of 15,410 and 56.4% of the vote, making Christchurch one of the safest Conservative constituencies in the country.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/election2010/results/constituency/b10.stm |title=2010 Election – Live Coverage: Christchurch |work=BBC News |year=2010 |access-date=2 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/constituency/821/christchurch|title=Christchurch: Constituency |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=13 September 2010 |year=2010}}</ref> Christchurch was part of the [[South West England (European Parliament constituency)|South West England constituency]] for elections to the [[European Parliament]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/384524 |title=Local MPs and MEPs |publisher=Dorset County Council |year=2010 |access-date=30 December 2010}}</ref>

In the [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum]], the borough of Christchurch voted by 59% to leave.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/politics/eu_referendum/results/local/c|title=EU Referendum local results – C|website=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref>

==Geography== Christchurch is the most easterly coastal town of the administrative county of Dorset, and it lies within the [[historic counties of England|historic county]] of [[Hampshire]]. The town abuts Bournemouth to the west and is approximately {{convert|9|mi}} east of [[Poole]], {{convert|20|mi}} west of [[Southampton, Hampshire|Southampton]], {{convert|23|mi}} south of [[Salisbury, Wiltshire|Salisbury]].<ref>Straight line distances from:{{cite web |url=http://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-distance-calculator.htm |title=Google Maps Distance Calculator |author=Daft Logic |access-date=30 July 2010}}</ref> The town centre lies between the rivers [[River Avon (Hampshire)|Avon]] and [[River Stour, Dorset|Stour]] which flow directly into [[Christchurch Harbour]]. The borough boundaries stretched to [[Hurn]] Forest in the north encompassing [[Bournemouth Airport]] and eastwards along the coast as far as [[Walkford]]. The River Stour forms a natural boundary to the west; the estuary and harbour form the southern boundary.<ref>Taylor (1994) p. 6.</ref>

[[File:Christchurch Harbour, Stanpit Marsh and Hengistbury Head - geograph.org.uk - 103551.jpg|thumb|[[Christchurch Harbour]] with the Clay Pool (bottom right) where the rivers [[River Avon (Hampshire)|Avon]] and [[River Stour, Dorset|Stour]] converge. [[Stanpit Marsh]] (centre left), [[Wick, Bournemouth|Wick]] (centre right) and [[Hengistbury Head]] (top right). The thin line of beach huts at the top left reveals the position of [[Mudeford Spit]], with the [[Isle of Wight]] on the horizon.]] [[Christchurch Harbour]] contains large areas of [[salt marsh]] and is protected by a [[sandbar]] known as [[Mudeford Spit]] which has fine sandy beach on both sides of a walkway lined with [[beach hut]]s. The harbour is protected by a natural [[headland]] ([[Hengistbury Head]]) at the start of the sandbanks, and is a special site for [[sand martin]]s which nest annually in the sandy cliffs. The harbour is only accessible to shallow draught boats drawing up to {{convert|4|ft}} due to the sandbars at the entrance.<ref name="Christchurch Harbour">{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/389369 |title=Christchurch Harbour |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> The entrance, known as the Run, has Mudeford Quay on one side and the spit on the other. Considerable tides flow here: up to {{convert|6|kn}} during [[spring tide]]s.<ref>Powell (1995) ''intro''.</ref> The harbour is a protected wildlife refuge and is home to large populations of [[swan]]s, [[wader]]s and other bird life. On the south side, the harbour is enclosed by Hengistbury Head which was the site of the earliest settlement here dating back to the [[Bronze Age]].<ref name="Christchurch Harbour"/> The landward end of the headland has a bank and ditch known as [[Hengistbury Head#Iron Age|Double Dykes]], built in about 700 BC, to protect the ancient settlement.<ref>Hoodless (2005) p. 24.</ref>

[[Stanpit Marsh]] is a {{convert|65|ha|adj=on}} [[nature reserve]] situated just below the confluence of the Rivers Avon and Stour. During the 18th century it was notorious for smugglers landing tobacco and rum in the narrow channels of Christchurch Harbour.<ref>Stannard (1999) pp. 177–178.</ref> It contains areas of salt marsh and [[freshwater marsh]] with [[reed bed]]s and is home to grazing horses, rare birds, and 14 species of rare or endangered plants.<ref name="Friends of Stanpit Marsh">{{cite web |url=http://www.friendsofstanpitmarsh.org.uk/ |title=Friends of Stanpit Marsh |publisher=Friends of Stanpit Marsh |access-date=9 August 2010}}</ref> It was designated as a [[Local Nature Reserve]] in 1964, and a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] in 1986.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1002678.pdf |title=SSSI Citation: Christchurch Harbour |publisher=[[Natural England]] |access-date=22 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406081859/http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1002678.pdf |archive-date=6 April 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

To the north of Christchurch is [[St Catherine's Hill, Dorset|St Catherine's Hill]], the highest part of the borough at {{convert|53|m}} above [[sea level]].<ref name="St.C hill">{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/386520 |title=St. Catherine's Hill |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=31 October 2010}}</ref> This hill is the most southerly of a chain of three hills, some {{convert|3|mi}} long with {{convert|35|ha|adj=on}} area of [[heathland]] and coniferous forest. The [[New Forest]], Christchurch Priory, Hengistbury Head, [[River Avon (Hampshire)|Avon Valley]], Christchurch Bay, [[The Solent]] and [[The Needles]] of the [[Isle of Wight]] can be seen from viewpoints on the east side of the Hill. Stour Valley way, [[Poole Bay]] and the [[Isle of Purbeck]] can be viewed from the south-west side of the Hill. Due to its commanding views, St. Catherine's Hill has been in use since prehistoric times as a look-out area and beacon and in more recent years served as a military training ground.<ref name="St.C hill"/> The hill is home to protected and rare wildlife species, including the [[Dartford warbler]], [[nightjar]], and the [[sand lizard]].<ref name="St.C hill" />

The geology of the borough is unremarkable; the [[bedrock]] is mainly composed of [[sand]] with patches of [[clay]] to the east and west, and superficial deposits ([[Drift (geology)|drift]]) of sand and [[gravel]] cover the entire area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer_google/googleviewer.html |title=Geology of Britain Viewer |publisher=[[British Geological Survey]] |access-date=17 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727004018/http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer_google/googleviewer.html |archive-date=27 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The extraction of sand and gravel for construction purposes is carried out in the borough, and the opening of more sites is planned.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/3868829.Villagers_in_fear_of_gravel____blight___/ |title=Villagers Fear Gravel Blight |author=Bob Jolliffe |date=22 November 2008 |newspaper=[[Bournemouth Daily Echo]] |access-date=2 August 2010}}</ref>

===Climate=== Christchurch, like the rest of the country, has a [[temperate]] climate with a small variation in daily and annual temperatures. The presence of the [[Gulf Stream]] ensures that the [[British Isles]] maintain an all-year-round ambient temperature, and, because of its position on the south coast of England, Christchurch has slightly warmer winters and cooler summers than settlements further inland. The warmest months in Christchurch are July and August, which have an average [[Atmospheric temperature|temperature range]] of {{convert|12|to|22|C|F}}, and the coolest months are January and February, which have a range of {{convert|2|to|8.3|C|F}}.<ref name="annualweather">{{cite web |year=2010 |url=http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:UKXX1138&q=Christchurch%2c+England+forecast:averagesm |title=Weather Averages Christchurch, England |publisher=[[Msn.com]] |access-date=18 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714125959/http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:UKXX1138&q=Christchurch,+England+forecast:averagesm |archive-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The average annual rainfall of {{convert|594.5|mm|in}} is well below the UK average of {{convert|1126|mm|in}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/uk.html |title=UK 1971–2000 averages |publisher=[[Met Office]] |year=2008 |access-date=18 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705140124/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/uk.html |archive-date=5 July 2009 |df=dmy}}</ref>

{{Weather box |location = Christchurch, Dorset, England |metric first = yes |single line = yes |Jan high C = 8 |Feb high C = 8 |Mar high C = 11 |Apr high C = 13 |May high C = 17 |Jun high C = 19 |Jul high C = 22 |Aug high C = 22 |Sep high C = 19 |Oct high C = 15 |Nov high C = 11 |Dec high C = 9 |year high C = 14.5 |Jan low C = 2 |Feb low C = 2 |Mar low C = 3 |Apr low C = 4 |May low C = 7 |Jun low C = 10 |Jul low C = 12 |Aug low C = 12 |Sep low C = 10 |Oct low C = 7 |Nov low C = 4 |Dec low C = 3 |year low C = 6.3 |Jan precipitation mm = 62.9 |Feb precipitation mm = 50.3 |Mar precipitation mm = 40.7 |Apr precipitation mm = 45.5 |May precipitation mm = 29.2 |Jun precipitation mm = 35.6 |Jul precipitation mm = 31.8 |Aug precipitation mm = 35.5 |Sep precipitation mm = 51.5 |Oct precipitation mm = 75.3 |Nov precipitation mm = 69.0 |Dec precipitation mm = 67.2 |year precipitation mm = 594.5 |source 1 = MSN<ref name="annualweather"/> |date=August 2010 }}

=== Green belt === {{Main|South West Hampshire/South East Dorset Green Belt}} Christchurch lies at the centre of a [[Green belt (United Kingdom)|green belt]] region that extends into the wider surrounding counties. It is in place to reduce [[urban sprawl]], prevent the towns in the South East Dorset conurbation from further convergence, protect the identity of outlying communities, and preserve nearby countryside. This is achieved by restricting inappropriate development within the designated areas, and imposing stricter conditions on permitted building.<ref name="green-belt"/>

The area is {{convert|3,477|ha|km2+sqmi}} (2010) in size,<ref name="green-belt"/> and lies mainly to the north of the district, with portions surrounding the fringes of the Christchurch/Highcliffe-on-Sea urban area. Suburbs also excluded are Jumpers Common, the built up area of Burton, as well as Bournemouth Airport, with the rest of the borough including the rural portions and hamlets in the Hurn and Burton parishes being 'washed over' by the green belt.

Landscape features and greenfield facilities within include the rivers Stour, [[Moors River|Moors]], Avon and their [[floodplains]], Christchurch Priory, Chapel Lane solar farm, Blackwater and St Catherine's hills, Hurn Forest, Stanpit Marsh, Mudeford Spit, and the [[Adventure Wonderland]] theme park. The [[New Forest National Park]] in Hampshire borders the green belt to the east of the borough in Burton parish.<ref name="green-belt">{{cite web|title=CHRISTCHURCH AND EAST DORSET LOCAL PLAN Part 1 – Core Strategy|url=https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/media/194625/Core-Strategy-Adopted-02-June-2014-WEB-LR/pdf/Core_Strategy_Adopted_02_June_2014_WEB_LR.pdf|website=www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk|access-date=19 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907080439/https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/media/194625/Core-Strategy-Adopted-02-June-2014-WEB-LR/pdf/Core_Strategy_Adopted_02_June_2014_WEB_LR.pdf|archive-date=7 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Demography== {| class="toc" border="1" style="float:right; border-collapse:collapse; margin-right:10pt; margin-top:1em;" !Age!!Percentage<ref name="dorsetforyou">{{cite web | year = 2001 | url = http://www.dorsetforyou.com/343588| title = Dorset For You: Christchurch | publisher = Dorset County Council | access-date =6 September 2010}}</ref> |- ||0–15||align=right|15.8 |- ||16–17||align=right|2.0 |- ||18–44||align=right|27.1 |- ||45–59||align=right|19.1 |- ||60–84||align=right|31.9 |- ||85+||align=right|4.1 |}

The Christchurch parish had a population of 31,372 in 2021, and around 50,000 for the wider borough, making it the fourth most populous settlement in Dorset.<ref name="bua2011"/> It lies in the [[South East Dorset conurbation]] which is one of the South Coast's major urban areas with a total population of over 400,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=90980&filetype=pdf |format=PDF|title=South East Dorset Strategy|publisher=Bournemouth Poole and Dorset Strategic Partnership|date=November 2005|page=2|access-date=1 June 2011}}</ref> Christchurch has one of the oldest populations in the country with significant proportion of residents wealthy senior citizens.<ref name="2005profile"/> The percentage of the population aged over 65 in Christchurch is 30.4%, almost double the national average of 16.5%.<ref name="aging population">{{cite news|url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8316122.How_will_Dorset_cope_with_ageing_population_/|title=How will Dorset cope with ageing population? | newspaper=[[Bournemouth Daily Echo]]|date=6 August 2010|access-date=7 December 2010}}</ref> [[Highcliffe]] on the borough's eastern boundary possesses the highest percentage of elderly residents in the entire United Kingdom at 69%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/top_ten_uk.asp |title=Census 2001: Top 10|year=2002|publisher=[[Office for National Statistics]]|access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/know-your-neighbour-its-all-on-the-web-585692.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202060848/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/know-your-neighbour-its-all-on-the-web-585692.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2012|title=Know Your Neighbour|author= Maxine Frith|date=4 July 2003 |newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> The [[Office for National Statistics]] predicted that by 2031, the percentage of residents over 65 will rise to 37.9.<ref name="aging population"/> In 2005, the life expectancy of female residents was 83.4 years and male residents 79.7 years. This was an increase on ten years previous (1995) when the life expectancy was 82.6 years and 77.0 years for females and males respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |title=The State of Christchurch: A Profile of Christchurch and Its Residents (5th Edition) |publisher=Christchurch Borough Council |date=March 2008 |pages=43–45 |access-date=28 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308132816/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |archive-date=8 March 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref>

In common with the rest of Dorset, Christchurch has low numbers of black and minority ethnic groups: the vast majority (96.83%) consider themselves to be [[White British]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |title=The State of Christchurch: A Profile of Christchurch and Its Residents (5th Edition) |publisher=Christchurch Borough Council |date=March 2008 |page=35 |access-date=28 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308132816/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |archive-date=8 March 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> Other white groups account for a further 2.09% and those of mixed race 0.44%. Asian and [[British Asian]] make up the next largest group with 0.25% of the local population, followed by Chinese, 0.16%, black, 0.13% and 0.11% from other ethnic groups.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=107905&filetype=pdf |format=PDF|title=Christchurch Census Town Profile|publisher=Dorset County Council|year=2005|page=6|access-date=19 June 2010}}</ref> Over 55% of the economically active population are in full-time employment; a further 22% work on a part-time basis.<ref name="Dorset County Council 2005 4">{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=107905&filetype=pdf |format=PDF|title=Christchurch Census Town Profile|publisher=Dorset County Council|year=2005|page=4|access-date=19 June 2010}}</ref> Of those in employment, over 40% of the borough's residents have a high skill level occupation and 17% have a low level one.<ref name="Dorset County Council 2005 4"/> Some 28.18% have no formal qualifications but 16.63% have a level 4 qualification or above ([[Academic degree|first or higher degree]], [[Higher National Certificate|HNC]], [[Higher National Diploma|HND]], [[National Vocational Qualification|NVQ levels 4 or 5]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=107905&filetype=pdf |format=PDF|title=Christchurch Census Town Profile|publisher=Dorset County Council|year=2005|page=19|access-date=19 June 2010}}</ref>

Christchurch contains around 22,800 properties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/331363|title=Dorset for You-Key Facts on Housing|year=2009|publisher=Dorset County Council|access-date=21 December 2010}}</ref> In 2005 the average price of a detached house in Christchurch was £323,416.<ref name="Christchurch Borough Council 5">{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |title=The State of Christchurch: A Profile of Christchurch and Its Residents (5th Edition) |publisher=Christchurch Borough Council |date=March 2008 |page=5 |access-date=31 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308132816/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |archive-date=8 March 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> On average property in Christchurch is 24% more expensive than anywhere else in England and Wales.<ref name="Christchurch Borough Council 10">{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |title=The State of Christchurch: A Profile of Christchurch and Its Residents (5th Edition) |publisher=Christchurch Borough Council |date=March 2008 |page=10 |access-date=28 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308132816/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |archive-date=8 March 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> Nearly 80% of residences are owner occupied, 3% are vacant and a further 3% are second homes.<ref name="2005profile">{{cite web|title=Christchurch Census Town Profile|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=107905&filetype=pdf|format=PDF|publisher=Dorset County Council|access-date=22 June 2010|year=2005}}</ref> The borough has around 25,000 cars: an average of 1.21 per household.<ref name="Christchurch Borough Council 10"/> Christchurch, in common with the rest of Dorset, has lower crime rates than average for the UK. Reported crime rates per 1,000 of the population in 2006 (with figures for 2001 in brackets) are as follows: violence against the person 10.4 (4.8), sexual offences 0.7 (0.3), robbery 0.2 (0.3), burglary 2.2 (4.0), theft of vehicles 0.9 (2.5), theft from vehicles 3.6 (7.2).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |title=The State of Christchurch: A Profile of Christchurch and Its Residents (5th Edition) |publisher=Christchurch Borough Council |date=March 2008 |pages=55–63 |access-date=6 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308132816/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |archive-date=8 March 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; |+ Population of Christchurch<ref name="Visionof2009" /> |- ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Population |- ! scope="row"| 1801 | 265 |- ! scope="row"| 1811 | 230 |- ! scope="row"| 1821 | 317 |- ! scope="row"| 1831 | 359 |- ! scope="row"| 1841 | 1,317 |- ! scope="row"| 1851 | 1,332 |- ! scope="row"| 1861 | 3,460 |- ! scope="row"| 1871 | 5,589 |- ! scope="row"| 1881 | 7,717 |- ! scope="row"| 1891 | 14,686 |- ! scope="row"| 1901 | 11,155 |- ! scope="row"| 1911 | 8,496 |- ! scope="row"| 1921 | 11,572 |- ! scope="row"| 1931 | 15,773 |- ! scope="row"| 1941 | 18,828 |- ! scope="row"| 1951 | 22,475 |- ! scope="row"| 1961 | 27,549 |- ! scope="row"| 1971 | 33,768 |- ! scope="row"| 1981 | 37,285 |- ! scope="row"| 1991 | 41,240 |- ! scope="row"| 2001 | 44,869 |- ! 2011 | – |}

==Economy== {| class="wikitable" style="float:right;" |- ! Sector <ref name="Dale Jayne, Gray Anne, Wicks John 23">{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=138773&filetype=pdf|title=Sectoral Change in the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Sub-regional Economy|date=March 2009|author1=Dale Jayne |author2=Gray Anne |author3=Wicks John |publisher=Bournemouth County Council & Dorset County Council|page=23|access-date=30 November 2010}}</ref> ! 2000 ! 2004 ! 2007 ! Change (£M) ! Change (%) |- |Agriculture | 10.5 | 14.6 | 16.3 | 5.9 | 56% |- |Mining/Quarrying | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0% |- |Food/Textiles/Wood | 6.9 | 4.3 | 4.0 | −2.9 | −42% |- |Printing and Publishing | 3.7 | 3.9 | 3.0 | −0.7 | −19% |- |Chemicals and Minerals | 10.2 | 6.7 | 7.4 | −2.8 | −28% |- |Metals and Engineering | 12.8 | 26.9 | 30.8 | 17.9 | 140% |- |Electronics | 56.8 | 34.7 | 40.5 | −16.2 | −29% |- |Transport equipment | 52.7 | 62.4 | 71.6 | 18.8 | 36% |- |Manufacturing nes | 3.5 | 4.7 | 3.2 | −0.3 | −8% |- |Electricity/Gas/Water | 12.5 | 14.9 | 20.7 | 8.2 | 66% |- |Construction | 34.7 | 49.6 | 43.5 | 8.8 | 25% |- |Distribution | 73.5 | 104.2 | 110.8 | 37.4 | 51% |- |Hotel and Catering | 21.5 | 27.0 | 34.3 | 12.8 | 60% |- |Transport and Communications | 80.5 | 119.9 | 145.1 | 64.6 | 80% |- |Banking and Insurance | 15.2 | 20.1 | 25.5 | 10.3 | 68% |- |Other business services | 57.8 | 56.2 | 84.8 | 27.0 | 47% |- |Public administration and Defence | 9.8 | 13.2 | 16.5 | 6.7 | 68% |- |Education and Health | 67.2 | 70.7 | 76.8 | 9.6 | 14% |- |Miscellaneous services | 22.9 | 20.4 | 22.3 | −0.6 | −2% |- !Total GVA ! 552.5 ! 664.5 ! 757.0 ! 204.5 ! 37% |}

Between 2000 and 2007 the total [[Gross Value Added]] (GVA) of the borough grew by 37% from £552 million to £757 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=138773&filetype=pdf|format=PDF|title=Sectoral Change in the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Sub-regional Economy|date=March 2009|author1=Dale Jayne |author2=Gray Anne |author3=Wicks John |publisher=Bournemouth County Council & Dorset County Council|page=9|access-date=30 November 2010}}</ref> The biggest contributor to the local economy through the period 2000–2007 was the transport and communication sector which in 2007 brought in £145 million GVA; £64 million more than in 2000.<ref name="GVA p.20">{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=138773&filetype=pdf|format=PDF|title=Sectoral Change in the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Sub-regional Economy|date=March 2009|author1=Dale Jayne |author2=Gray Anne |author3=Wicks John |publisher=Bournemouth County Council & Dorset County Council|page=20|access-date=30 November 2010}}</ref> The sector which saw the largest growth during that period however, was metals and engineering which increased by 140%.<ref name="GVA p.20"/> The food, textiles and wood industries experienced the largest negative change at −42% whereas the electronics industry experienced the biggest fall with £16.2 million less than seven years previous.<ref name="Dale Jayne, Gray Anne, Wicks John 23"/>

An aircraft manufacturing industry was established in the town with the construction of an [[Airspeed Ltd.|Airspeed]] factory at [[Christchurch Airfield]] in 1942. In 1948 the factory became part of [[de Havilland]] and manufactured a wide range of aircraft such as the [[De Havilland Vampire|Vampire]], [[De Havilland Sea Venom|Sea Venom]] and [[De Havilland Sea Vixen|Sea Vixen]].<ref>Hodges (2003) p. 127.</ref> In the 1950s, [[Bournemouth Airport]], a former [[RAF Hurn|RAF base]] situated on the outskirts of borough boundaries at [[Hurn]], also became heavily involved in aircraft production after [[Vickers Armstrong]]—which later became the [[British Aircraft Corporation]] (BAC)—established a factory at the airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bournemouthairport.com/bohweb.nsf/Content/OurHistory|title=Our History|publisher=[[Bournemouth Airport]]|year=2010|access-date=3 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424212541/http://www.bournemouthairport.com/bohweb.nsf/Content/OurHistory|archive-date=24 April 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> Although the de Havilland factory closed down in 1962 and aircraft manufacturing at Bournemouth Airport ceased by the late 1970s, the aircraft and engineering industries remained important to the local economy. Major employers in Christchurch include: [[BAE Systems]], Bournemouth Aviation Services Company (BASCO), Beagle Aerospace, [[Channel Express]], College of Air Traffic Control, Data Track Process Instruments, [[European Aviation Air Charter|European Aviation]], [[FR Aviation]], [[Honeywell]], Reid Steel, Revvo Castor Company, [[Sainsbury's]], [[Siemens VAI]] and [[SELEX Communications]].<ref name="dorsetforyou" />

The town's High Street has 48 shops with {{convert|61847|ft2}} of retail space.<ref name="retail">{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/346247 |title=Detailed Retail Information |year=2005 |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=30 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323080443/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/346247 |archive-date=23 March 2012 }}</ref> The addition of the Saxon Square shopping precinct in 1982 added a further {{convert|41748|ft2}} of shop floor to the town centre—an increase of 67.5%.<ref name="retail"/> The combined number of shops and floor space makes Christchurch the fifth largest shopping centre in Dorset.<ref name="retail"/>

In 2008, Christchurch attracted some 837,000 staying visitors and 792,000 day visitors, and tourism generated £76{{nbsp}}million for the local economy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |title=The State of Christchurch: A Profile of Christchurch and Its Residents (5th Edition) |publisher=Christchurch Borough Council |date=March 2008 |page=9 |access-date=28 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308132816/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |archive-date=8 March 2012}}</ref> Although important to the local economy, Christchurch is not so heavily dependent on tourism as some of its neighbours. In 2008, visitor accommodation consisted of 11 [[Campsite|caravan and camping parks]], and some 900 bed spaces in eight hotels and 75 [[guest house]]s or [[bed and breakfast]] establishments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |title=The State of Christchurch: A Profile of Christchurch and Its Residents (5th Edition) |publisher=Christchurch Borough Council |date=March 2008 |page=12 |access-date=28 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308132816/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=129940&filetype=pdf |archive-date=8 March 2012}}</ref>

==Culture== [[File:Monday Market Christchurch Dorset.JPG|thumb|left|Monday market, Christchurch High Street]] A weekly market was granted to the town by [[Baldwin de Redvers, 1st Earl of Devon|Baldwin de Redvers]] and the first market took place in 1149 at the junction of Castle Street and High Street.<ref>Hodges (2003) p. 23.</ref> These weekly markets stopped in 1872 but resumed a century later in a car park next to the town hall, now the site of Saxon Square.<ref name="Taylor" /><ref>Hodges (2003) pp. 23–24.</ref> When construction of the square began in 1983, the market was moved to a car park in Bank Close. Today it is held every Monday in High Street which is then closed to traffic. Periodically there are food fairs and a French market in the town.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/districts/christchurch/8216179.French_market/|title=French market|newspaper=[[Bournemouth Daily Echo]]|date=14 June 2010|access-date=31 December 2010}}</ref>

Every year since 2000 the town has held a food and wine festival during May. It includes an international food market with over 100 stalls selling food and drink, and a large marquee with a kitchen area erected in Saxon Square. Here cooking demonstrations are given, sometimes by a celebrity chef: past guests have included [[Gary Rhodes]] and [[Jean-Christophe Novelli]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/archive/2009/04/28/foodanddrink/4326445.Foodie_heaven___The_10th_Christchurch_Food_and_Wine_Festival/|title=Foodie heaven – The 10th Christchurch Food and Wine Festival|date=28 April 2009|newspaper=[[Dorset Echo]]|access-date=19 December 2010}}</ref> The week-long festival is a community event which aims to educate people in healthy eating as well as the availability of foods. During the festival local chefs are invited into schools to demonstrate recipes; and throughout the weekend the marquee hosts a cookery workshop for 7- to 10-year-olds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christchurchfoodfest.co.uk/about.asp|title=History|year=2010|publisher=Christchurch Food and Wine Festival|access-date=21 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915020355/http://www.christchurchfoodfest.co.uk/about.asp|archive-date=15 September 2010|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Christchurch holds an annual music festival on the first weekend in July. Originally a [[folk music of England|folk festival]], the event has evolved to cater for a wider variety of tastes: [[Clogging|clog]] and [[morris dancing]] groups and [[Salsa (dance)|salsa]] and [[belly dancing]] exhibitions have featured. [[Rock music|Rock bands]] and [[soul music|soul groups]] have been included alongside the more traditional types of music. The festival's format changes annually but usually takes place on and around the town quay where a large marquee contains the main stage. Local bars often host smaller bands and dancing and exhibitions take place throughout the town centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christchurchfestival.co.uk/show_info.php?pageID=26|title=Christchurch Festival information|year=2010|publisher=Christchurch Festival|access-date=18 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206184548/http://www.christchurchfestival.co.uk/show_info.php?pageID=26|archive-date=6 February 2012|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Another annual event is the [[regatta]] which has been held every year since 1909.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.debretts.com/social-season/christchurch-carnival.aspx |title=The Social Season |year=2010 |publisher=[[Debrett's]] |access-date=18 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618031755/http://www.debretts.com/social-season/christchurch-carnival.aspx |archive-date=18 June 2009 }}</ref> It takes place around the second week in August and involves rowing competitions on the River Stour and a [[travelling funfair]] sited on the adjacent town [[quay]]. A [[carnival]] procession and large [[Fireworks|firework display]] takes place at the weekend. The part of the quay by the priory is known as ''The Quomps'' and was conveyed to the town in 1911 by [[James Harris, 5th Earl of Malmesbury|Lord Malmesbury]].<ref>Newman (1998) p. 16.</ref> A 19th-century [[bandstand]] situated in the Quomps was an anonymous gift to the town in 1938.<ref>Hodges (2003) p. 8.</ref> During the summer months it is used for free open-air concerts on Saturdays, one of the most popular being "Stompin' on the Quomps", a [[smooth jazz]] festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pbo.co.uk/diary-dates/3109/stompin-on-the-quomps-christchurch-waterside-jazz-festival|title=Stompin on the Quomps – Christchurch waterside jazz festival|publisher=Practical Boat Owner|date=7 August 2010|access-date=31 December 2010}}</ref> On Sunday afternoons [[Brass band (British style)|brass bands]] often play there.

The town has a museum: the [[Red House Museum and Gardens, Christchurch|Red House Museum]] in Quay Road. Once the town's [[workhouse]], the Red House contains permanent and temporary exhibitions pertaining to local history, costume, geology, natural history and archaeology. The museum grounds contain formal and informal gardens.<ref>Stannard (1999) pp. 220–224.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/323095 |title=Red House Museum|publisher=Dorset County Council|access-date=19 September 2010}}</ref> The old power station in Bargates, owned by [[Scottish and Southern Energy]], housed the Museum of Electricity. This is no longer open to the public, although the company is working on new ways to share the museum's collection more widely across the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sseheritage.org.uk/index.asp?page=faqs#1|title=The SSE Heritage Collection – SSE|website=sseheritage.org.uk}}</ref>

The Regent Centre is a community-run cinema and theatre, it opened on 26 December 1931 as the Regent Super Cinema, serving the town until its closure as a cinema in July 1973, after which it operated as a Mecca bingo hall until February 1982.<ref name="CT">{{Cite web |title=Regent Centre in Christchurch, GB - Cinema Treasures |url=https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/24540 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=cinematreasures.org}}</ref><ref name="VC">{{Cite web |title=The Regent Centre |url=https://www.visit-christchurch.co.uk/listing/the-regent-centre/131899301/ |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=www.visit-christchurch.co.uk |language=en-us}}</ref> The venue was refurbished and now functions as a multi-purpose arts centre, with the interior intended to reproduce the look and feel of the theatre in the 1930's.<ref name="DL">{{Cite web |title=The cultural hub of Christchurch {{!}} Dorset Life - The Dorset Magazine |url=https://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2017/04/the-cultural-hub-of-christchurch/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002003828/https://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2017/04/the-cultural-hub-of-christchurch/ |archive-date=2020-10-02 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=www.dorsetlife.co.uk |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="RC">{{Cite web |title=About Us {{!}} Regent Christchurch |url=https://regentcentre.co.uk/about |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=regentcentre.co.uk}}</ref>

== Religion == {{Main|List of churches in Christchurch}} Christchurch is home to many churches, most notably [[Christchurch Priory]].

==Landmarks== {{Further|Listed buildings in Christchurch, Dorset}}

===Town centre=== {{Main|Christchurch Town Centre}} [[File:Town Hall Christchurch Dorset.JPG|thumb|[[The Town Hall, Christchurch|The Mayor's Parlour and Saxon Square]]]] Christchurch's town centre encompasses a mixture of traditional public houses, restaurants, coffee shops, antiquated cottages and historic [[listed buildings]]. The older part of the town dates from Saxon times and retains its Saxon street layout.<ref>Taylor (1994) p. 2.</ref> The Grade II listed [[Mayor's Parlour]] was built as the market hall in 1745 at the far end of the High Street but was moved to its present position in 1849.<ref name="Hodges p17">Hodges (2003) p. 17.</ref> It was enclosed and extended, and used as the [[town hall]] until the civic offices were built in the mid-1970s. It was restored to its former condition circa 1982 when the Saxon Square shopping precinct was built.<ref>Hodges (2003) pp. 13–24.</ref>

High Street contains two Grade II listed [[public house]]s: Ye Olde George Inne, once a [[Coaching inn|coach house]],<ref name="Hodges p17"/> and the Ship Inn which has the oldest licence in Christchurch.<ref>Hodges (2003) p. 19.</ref> A known haunt of [[smugglers]], the Ship Inn's history can be traced back to 1688.<ref name="Newman 1998 53">Newman (1998) p. 53.</ref> At the end of High Street is Church Street which contains Church Hatch, a Grade II* listed [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] residence. Once the home of Sir [[Owen Tudor Burne]], it was saved from demolition in 1929 by public appeal.<ref>Newman (1998) p. 18.</ref> Ye Olde Eight Bells, a Grade II listed gift shop in Church Street, was once another [[alehouse]] frequented by smugglers and central to a number of local legends.<ref>Taylor (1994) plate no.83.</ref> Close by in Castle Street is the Perfumery, a 14th-century [[thatched]] property often referred to as the old courthouse; although some local historians maintain that this was next door and long gone.<ref>Moxey (1997) p. 90.</ref><ref>Hodges (2003) p. 31.</ref>

====Bridges==== The town centre contains three Grade I listed bridges. The Town Bridge is a 15th-century [[ashlar]] stone bridge composed of two portions separated by a narrow strip of land. The eastern portion crosses the narrower of two branches of the [[River Avon (Hampshire)|River Avon]] that pass through the town and features five low round-headed [[arch]]es.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1460801|desc=Town Bridge|grade=I|access-date=8 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1304408&resourceID=5|title=Listed buildings online: Town Bridge|publisher=Heritage Gateway |access-date=2 November 2010}}</ref> The western bridge features two arches and crosses the millstream which runs adjacent to the Avon. Known as Redford, or Mews, Bridge, it has a separate Grade I listing.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1304408|desc=Redford Bridge Bridge|grade=I|access-date=8 May 2025}}</ref> To the east of the Town Bridge on the same route from the town centre the Waterloo Bridge spans the larger branch of the Avon. Built circa 1816–1817 in the mediaeval tradition with dressed [[Portland stone]], its design incorporates five wide segmental arches, circular piers and capped cutwaters.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1304449|desc=Waterloo Bridge|grade=I|access-date=8 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1304449&resourceID=5|title=Listed buildings online: Waterloo Bridge|publisher=Heritage Gateway |access-date=2 November 2010}}</ref> On the northern side of the bridge a modern steel pedestrian footbridge is cantilevered to the older structure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://publicarchitecture.co.uk/project-base/projects.php?project_id=154|title=Waterloo Bridge New Pedestrian Walkway|publisher=Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities|access-date=2 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825075922/http://publicarchitecture.co.uk/project-base/projects.php?project_id=154|archive-date=25 August 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref>

===Castle=== [[File:Constable's House - geograph.org.uk - 1764117.jpg|thumb|The Constable's House]] {{main|Christchurch Castle}} The Grade I listed [[Christchurch Castle]] is of [[Normans|Norman]] origin and was originally of a [[motte and bailey]] construction. The castle once dominated the town but now lies in ruins and only a couple of the [[keep]] walls remain. A castle has stood in Christchurch since approximately 924 AD when [[Edward the Elder]] fortified the town with a wooden fort on a [[motte]].<ref name="Moxey 1997 87">Moxey (1997) p. 87.</ref> After the [[Norman Conquest]] in 1066 the castle's defences were strengthened with a ditch and [[Motte-and-bailey|bailey]] surrounded by a wooden [[palisade]]. The wooden fort was replaced; at first with another wooden structure and then a stone keep which was constructed in the 12th century.<ref>Powell (1995) p. 33.</ref><ref name="Moxey 1997 89">Moxey (1997) p. 89.</ref> Within the curtain wall of the castle stands the Constable's House, a Grade I listed [[Norman architecture|Norman]] dwelling. Much of the building's stonework remains, including a rare example of a Norman chimney (one of only five in the country) and the [[garderobe|privy]] which extends out across the mill stream.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.communigate.co.uk/dorset/clhs/page11.phtml |author=David Eels |title=Christchurch Castle |publisher=Christchurch Local History Society |access-date=12 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515074849/http://www.communigate.co.uk/dorset/clhs/page11.phtml |archive-date=15 May 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> The castle was [[Slighting|slighted]] by the [[Roundhead|Parliamentary]] army during the [[English Civil War]] to prevent the stronghold from falling into [[Cavalier|Royalist]] hands.<ref name="Moxey 1997 pp. 89–90"/><ref name="Stannard p135/136" />

===Priory=== [[File:Christchurch Priory - geograph.org.uk - 647546.jpg|thumb|Christchurch Priory dates from the 11th century]] {{main|Christchurch Priory}} Christchurch town centre and the harbour are overlooked by the 11th-century Grade I listed [[Christchurch Priory]]. Once a [[monastery]], it was given to the town for use as a [[parish church]] by [[Henry VIII]] after the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries|dissolution]] in 1540.<ref>Stannard (1999) p. 141.</ref> It is the longest parish church in England, having a [[nave]] over {{convert|311|ft}} long.<ref name="Moxey 1997 87"/> The nave and [[transepts]] are [[Norman architecture|Norman]] with heavy columns and round arches, whereas the [[lady chapel]] is from the 14th century and more [[Perpendicular Period|Perpendicular]] in style. The great [[Choir (architecture)|choir]] is even later, having been rebuilt in the 16th century. The Priory is noted for its [[Christchurch Priory#Miraculous beam|Miraculous Beam]], which attracts pilgrims from all over the world.<ref name="Moxey 1997 87"/> Within the Priory grounds stands Priory House, a Grade II listed mansion built in 1777 by [[Gustavus Brander]].<ref name="Hodges 2003 9">Hodges (2003) p. 9.</ref> The Priory is in active use for worship and forms part of the [[Church of England]] [[Diocese of Winchester]].

===Place Mill=== [[File:Place Mill, Christchurch.jpg|thumb|Place Mill]] Place Mill is a Grade II* listed Anglo-Saxon [[watermill]]<ref>{{NHLE|grade=II*|desc=Place Mill|num= 1110074 |date=14 October 1953}}</ref> located a short distance to the south of the Priory on Christchurch Quay. It is mentioned in the [[Domesday Book]] and features a mediaeval stone base underneath red brickwork.<ref>Hinde (1996) p. 125.</ref> The mill belonged to the Priory but stopped working in 1908 and stood derelict until purchased by the council and restored in 1981. It is unique in that it takes water from one river (the [[River Avon (Hampshire)|Avon]]) and spills it into a second river (the [[River Stour, Dorset|Stour]]).<ref>Stannard (1999) p. 4.</ref> A millstream is supplied from the [[Christchurch Harbour#Royalty Fishery|Royalty Fisheries]] near to the Electricity Museum behind Bargates, and flows for nearly {{convert|0.5|mi}} to the mill between the Avon and the Priory grounds before joining the River Stour.<ref>Distance of mill stream flow taken from [[Ordnance Survey]] map of Christchurch, which shows the outflow into the Stour.</ref> A mediaeval Grade II listed bridge known as the Place Mill Bridge crosses the millstream nearby.<ref>{{NHLE|grade=II|desc=Place Mill Bridge|num= 1324698 |date=14 Oct 1953}}</ref>

==Sport and recreation== The town's [[Association football|football]] team, [[Christchurch F.C.]], play at Hurn Bridge Sports Club, which is situated at the junction of the Avon Causeway and Matchams Lane.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchfc.co.uk/hurnbridge.php |title=Hurn Bridge |year=2010 |publisher=[[Christchurch F.C.]] |access-date=18 September 2010 |archive-date=15 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515051553/http://www.christchurchfc.co.uk/hurnbridge.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> Established in 1885, the club was a founding member of the [[Hampshire Football Association]] in 1887. Christchurch F.C. were promoted as champions to [[Hampshire League]] One in 1938, 1948 and 1986; in 1970, they became the first team to win the Bournemouth Senior Cup three times in succession. The club joined the [[Wessex League]] (the ninth tier of the [[English football league system]]) in 1988 and are one of the few clubs in the league that maintain amateur status.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christchurchfc.co.uk/history.php|title=History|year=2010|publisher=[[Christchurch F.C.]]|access-date=18 September 2010|archive-date=20 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820004636/http://www.christchurchfc.co.uk/history.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Christchurch has a council run [[leisure centre]], situated at the end of Stony Lane South. The complex contains a swimming pool and indoor [[Bowls|bowling]] facility which is home to the East Dorset Indoor Bowls Club.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/2rm |title=Riversmeet Leisure Centre|year=2010 |publisher=Dorset County Council|access-date=18 September 2010}}</ref> The town has two other lawn bowling clubs and golf courses, at Iford and Highcliffe.<ref>Hodges (2003) p. 120.</ref>

[[Sailing]] is a popular leisure pursuit in Christchurch and the harbour is home to three sailing clubs: Highcliffe Sailing Club, Mudeford Sailing Club and Christchurch Sailing Club, which are situated at Mudeford Quay, Fisherman's Bank and the Town Quay respectively. The other end of the Town Quay is home to the local [[Rowing (sport)|rowing]] club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=151552&filetype=pdf|format=PDF|title=Christchurch Water Sports 2010|publisher=Christchurch Borough Council|year=2010|access-date=28 December 2010}}</ref>

==Transport== [[File:Christchurch railway station - geograph.org.uk - 1762827.jpg|thumb|left|Christchurch station]] [[Christchurch railway station, Dorset|Christchurch railway station]] is a stop on the [[South West Main Line]]. Services are operated by [[South Western Railway]]; their typical off-peak service each hour is:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timetables |work=South Western Railway |date=2 June 2024 |access-date=13 July 2024 |url= https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/timetables |quote=}}</ref> * One return service between {{rws|London Waterloo}}, {{rws|Bournemouth}}, {{rws|Poole}} and {{rws|Weymouth}} * One service from Bournemouth to {{rws|Winchester}} * One service from {{rws|Southampton Central}} to Bournemouth.

Christchurch is served by the [[A35 road]], which runs from [[Devon]] through to [[Southampton]] via Poole, Bournemouth and the [[New Forest]]. To the north of the town, the A35 connects to the [[A31 road|A31]], which is the major trunk road in central southern England and provides access to the [[M27 motorway]] at Southampton. The [[A338 road]] runs northwards from Bournemouth through Christchurch to [[Ringwood, Hampshire|Ringwood]] in Hampshire.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5788205/Dorset-There-is-nowhere-Id-rather-be.html|title=Dorset: There's Nowhere I'd Rather Be|author=Christopher Stocks|date=9 July 2009|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=21 August 2010}}</ref>

Buses are operated by [[Go South Coast]] under their ''[[Morebus]]'' brand. Routes connect Christchurch with Bournemouth, Lymington, New Milton, Ringwood and Somerford.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christchurch Bus Services |work=Bus Times |date=2024 |access-date=13 July 2024 |url= https://bustimes.org/localities/christchurch-dorset}}</ref>

[[Bournemouth Airport]], in [[Hurn]], is the nearest airport and lies around {{convert|3.75|mi}} north-west of Christchurch town centre. Originally an [[RAF Hurn|RAF airfield]], the airport began commercial services in the late 1950s and served around 800,000 passengers on 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bournemouth Airport on track for 1m passengers |url=https://www.bournemouthairport.com/bournemouth-airport-on-track-for-1m-passengers/ |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=Bournemouth Airport|date=2 January 2024 }}</ref> [[Ryanair]], [[TUI Airways|TUI]] and [[EasyJet]] operate from the airport, providing scheduled flights to European destinations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Schedule |url=https://www.bournemouthairport.com/content/uploads/BA-2023-New-Schedule-issue-1-1.pdf |access-date=11 February 2023 |website=Bournemouth Airport}}</ref>

During the summer months, small passenger ferries travel between Tuckton and Mudeford Spit, via the town quay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bournemouthboating.co.uk/ferry.html|title=United Ferries|year=2004|publisher=Bournemouth Boating Services|access-date=22 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707095346/http://www.bournemouthboating.co.uk/ferry.html|archive-date=7 July 2010|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bournemouthboating.co.uk/self.html|title=Self Drive Boat Hire|year=2004|publisher=Bournemouth Boating Services|access-date=22 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902114906/http://www.bournemouthboating.co.uk/self.html|archive-date=2 September 2010|url-status = dead}}</ref> Another ferry crosses the Stour between [[Wick, Bournemouth|Wick]] and the Quay just below Tuckton Bridge; this ferry was running before the bridge was built in 1882 and was then, the only crossing below Iford.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bournemouthboating.co.uk/wick.html|title=Wick Ferry|year=2004|publisher=Bournemouth Boating Services|access-date=22 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604171716/http://www.bournemouthboating.co.uk/wick.html|archive-date=4 June 2010|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://digitalcollections.qut.edu.au/4297/1/LeStrange-collection182.jpg|title=Wick Ferry|website=QUT Digital Collections|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131200627/https://digitalcollections.qut.edu.au/4297/1/LeStrange-collection182.jpg|archive-date=31 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> A third ferry service operates across the harbour entrance from Mudeford Sandbank to Mudeford Quay. This ferry was operated by rowing boats until the 1960s; payment being at the discretion of the passenger.<ref>{{cite book |title=Christchurch Harbour |last=Powell |first=Mike |year=1995 |publisher=Natula Publications |location=Briar Park Business Centre, Stour Road, Christchurch |isbn=1-897887-07-8 |page=89}}</ref>

==Education== [[File:Christchurch Library - 29 High Street, Christchurch (9247980289).jpg|thumb|Christchurch Library]] Christchurch has two [[infant school]]s, two [[junior school]]s, five [[primary school]]s (combined infant and junior) and three [[secondary school]]s. The secondary schools are, in order of size: [[Twynham School]] (1,515 pupils), [[Highcliffe School]] (1,347 pupils) and [[The Grange School, Christchurch|the Grange School]] (637 pupils). The secondary schools share a [[sixth form]], with the three sites providing different courses.<ref name="dorsetforyou" />

From 1 April 2019 schools in Christchurch have fallen under the jurisdiction of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

==Notable residents== [[File:John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, by Joshua Reynolds.jpg|thumb|upright|[[John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute]], Prime Minister 1762–63, owned a mansion house in Christchurch]] * [[Benjamin Ferrey]], architect, one of the earliest members of the [[Royal Institute of British Architects]]. His works include the restoration of Christchurch Priory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.communigate.co.uk/dorset/clhs/page13.phtml |author=Fraser Donachie |title=Benjamin Ferrey |publisher=Christchurch Local History Society |access-date=12 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101101082435/http://www.communigate.co.uk/dorset/clhs/page13.phtml |archive-date=1 November 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref> * [[Edmund Lyons, 1st Baron Lyons|Edmund Lyons]], admiral and diplomat who was born and lived in the parish of Burton.<ref>Taylor (1994) plate no.146.</ref> * [[Gustavus Brander]], curator at the [[British Museum]] and governor of the [[Bank of England]] lived at Priory House which he had built in 1777 in the grounds of Christchurch Priory.<ref name="Hodges 2003 9"/> * [[Louis-Phillipe|Prince Louis Phillipe]], the future King of France took refuge there during the [[Napoleonic Wars]].<ref name="Hodges 2003 9"/> * [[Robert Southey]], writer, poet and [[Poet Laureate]]; lived in Burton between 1797 and 1799.<ref>Moxey (1997) p. 79.</ref> * [[John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute]], [[Prime Minister of Great Britain|Prime Minister]], 1762–63, amateur [[Botany|botanist]] and one of the founders of [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]]; built a mansion, High Cliff House, on his Christchurch estate close to the cliff top in 1773.<ref name="telegraph highcliffe">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/3308278/Making-the-grade-Highcliffe-House.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611152404/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/3308278/Making-the-grade-Highcliffe-House.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2014|author=Keith Miller|title=Making the grade: Highcliffe House|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=2 November 2002|access-date=29 December 2010}}</ref> The area is now known as [[Highcliffe]]. *[[Charles Stuart, 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay]], diplomat and grandson of John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute; built [[Highcliffe Castle]] on the site of his grandfather's house.<ref name="telegraph highcliffe"/> * [[George Rose (Treasurer of the Navy)|Sir George Rose]], a [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Christchurch (UK Parliament constituency)|Christchurch]] and close friend and advisor to the Prime Minister [[William Pitt the Younger|William Pitt]], built a home, 'Sandhills', at Mudeford.<ref name="Hodges 2003 p. 116"/> Sandhills was home to George Rose's two sons: politician and diplomat [[George Henry Rose|Sir George Henry Rose]], and poet [[William Stewart Rose|William Rose]], who both served as Members of Parliament for Christchurch.<ref>Powell (1995) p. 52.</ref> * [[Hugh Rose, 1st Baron Strathnairn|Field Marshal Hugh Rose, 1st Baron Strathnairn]], son of Sir George Henry Rose, spent time living at the family home.<ref name="Powell 1995"/> * [[James Clark (horticulturist)|James Clark]] (1825–1890), horticulturist and early genetic hybridist who specialised in breeding new potato varieties.<ref>{{cite web |title=James Clark, 1825–1890, Potato Breeder |url=http://www.suttonelms.org.uk/pot74.html |access-date=27 September 2019}}</ref> He was born in Wick near [[Tuckton]] (then a part of Christchurch) and lived his whole life in the Christchurch area. * [[Sir Donald Bailey|Donald Bailey]], a civil engineer who developed the [[Bailey bridge]], lived in Christchurch from 1966 to 1985.<ref name="Stannard 1999 241"/> * [[Bob Wilson (footballer born 1941)|Bob Wilson]], [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] and [[Scotland men's national football team|Scotland]] goalkeeper, has a home near the town centre.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/7163397.stm|title=OBE honour for former goalkeeper|work=BBC News|date=29 December 2007|access-date=2 August 2010}}</ref> * [[Joseph Boxhall]] (1884–1967), fourth officer and survivor of {{RMS|Titanic}}, lived in Christchurch after retirement and until his death.

==Twin towns== Christchurch is [[sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/393108|title=Christchurch Twinning Association|year=2009|publisher=Dorset County Council|access-date=15 September 2010}}</ref> * [[Aalen]], Germany * [[Tatabánya]], Hungary * [[Christchurch]], New Zealand<ref>{{cite web |title=Sister cities |url=https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/civic-and-international-relations/sister-cities-programme |website=Christchurch City Council |publisher=CCC |access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref> * [[Saint-Lô]], France<ref name="Archant twinning 3">{{cite web|url=http://www.completefrance.com/language-culture/twin-towns|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705094933/http://www.completefrance.com/language-culture/twin-towns|title=British towns twinned with French towns ''[via WaybackMachine.com]''|access-date=20 July 2013|archive-date=5 July 2013|work=Archant Community Media Ltd}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|England}} *[[Christchurch Borough Council elections]] for the political history of the former borough council which existed 1974 to 2019.

==References==

===Citations=== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

===Bibliography=== *{{cite book |title=The defence of Wessex: the Burghal Hidage and Anglo-Saxon fortifications | first1=David | last1=Hill | first2=Alexander R. | last2=Rumble | year=1996 | publisher=Manchester University Press | isbn=978-0-7190-3218-9}} *{{cite book |title=The Domesday Book: England's Heritage, Then and Now |editor1-last=Hinde |year=1996 |publisher=Coombe Books |location=Godalming |isbn=978-1-873535-60-8|editor-first=Thomas}} *{{cite book |title=Christchurch: The Golden Years |last=Hodges |first=Michael A |year=2003 |publisher=Dorset Books |location=Tiverton |isbn=978-1-871164-38-1}} *{{cite book |title=Hengistbury Head: The Whole Story |last=Hoodless|first=W.A |year=2005 |publisher=Poole Historical Trust |location=Poole |isbn=978-1-873535-60-8}} *{{cite book |title=Avon Valley Footpath Guide |last=Moxey |first=Sarah |year=1997 |publisher=Halsgrove |location=Wellington |isbn=978-1-874448-26-6}} *{{cite book |title=Christchurch Through Time |last=Newman |first=Sue |year=2009 |publisher=Amberley Publications |location=Stroud |isbn=978-1-84868-358-7}} *{{cite book |title=Images of England: Christchurch |last=Newman |first=Sue |year=1998 |publisher=Tempus Publishing Limited |location=Stroud |isbn=0-7524-1050-4}} *{{cite book |title=Christchurch Harbour |last=Powell |first=Mike |year=1995 |publisher=Natula Publications |location=Christchurch |isbn=1-897887-07-8}} *{{cite book |title=The Makers of Christchurch: A Thousand Year story |last=Stannard |first=Michael |year=1999 |publisher=Natula Publications |location=Christchurch |isbn=978-1-897887-22-6}} *{{cite book |title=Christchurch: A Pictorial History |last=Taylor |first=Christine |year=1994 |publisher=Phillimore and Co. Ltd |location=Chichester |isbn=0-85033-901-4}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} {{EB1911 poster|Christchurch (England)|Christchurch, Dorset}} * [https://www.christchurch-tc.gov.uk/ Christchurch Town Council] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20201031195323/http://www.visitchristchurch.info/ Council tourism website], archived in 2020

[[Category:Christchurch, Dorset| ]] [[Category:Towns in Dorset]] [[Category:Civil parishes in Dorset]] [[Category:Former non-metropolitan districts of Dorset]] [[Category:Populated places established in the 7th century]] [[Category:Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole]] [[Category:Former boroughs in England]] [[Category:Populated coastal places in Dorset]]