St Michael's Loft, built over the Lady Chapel in the 15th century, was the last part of the fabric of the church to be completed. It is a consecrated chapel dedicated to St Michael, but the original use for which it was intended is not really known. That remains one of the medieval mysteries of the Priory.

The altar, piscina and corbels at the eastern end of the chapel suggest its definite use as a chapel, and it may be that the original intention was that it should be used as a training chapel for the oblates and noviciates coming into the Augustinian Order. The Augustinians at Christchurch were, from the middle of the 12th century, canons regular who had to be ordained.

The Augustinians, although living a monastic life were not members of a closed order and over a period, acquired pastoral responsibilities towards the townspeople and permission was granted by Bishop Morley of Winchester to use the loft as a school. Between 1662 and 1869 it was
used first as a grammar school, and then as a private school run by the Vicar.

From here the schoolboys in the 18th century used to watch the smugglers bringing their contraband in carts across the marshes. There is a lens in the wall of the stairway on the south side through which a light could be shone as a signal to the smugglers on the marshes.

In 1981 the loft was opened up as the Priory Museum. The exhibits include some remains from Saxon times, a large tithe map of 1842, and various prints, paintings, photographs and items from the schoolroom.

Among the items of medieval sculpture are: what is thought to be the tomb slab of Stephen de Stapelbrugge, a Knight Templar; a damaged piece, possibly of Pope Gregory the Great (St Gregory) celebrating mass at the north end of an altar; a piece showing the Adoration of the Infant Jesus by the Three Kings or Magi; and finally Christ crowning the Madonna. The latter is vety rare in Britain. in the 13th century there was a growing movement to worship the Virgin Mary and this became a heresy.

The museum is well worth a visit. It is open for Easter, closes briefly and is open again from May to October inclusive. Even if you have visited the museum before it's worth coming back as the exhibits are contantly changing and being added to all the time.

The door to the Museum is located in the South Quire Aisle adjacent to the Draper Chantry. The climb up the 75 stone steps is well worth the effort, not only for the artefacts but also for the spectacular views out of each window. The charge for Admission is 50p for an adult and 30p for students and children.

The Priory History Consultant is Mr John Arnold, and the Curator of the Museum is Mrs D Edlund, email: museum@christchurchpriory.org