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There has been a church on this site since around 800 A.D. The present building was begun in 1094 by Ranulf Flambard and has since been in continuous use as a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
Visitors never fail to be amazed to find such a beautiful church tucked away in this corner of Dorset, where it dominates the skyline of the historic town of Christchurch. It is by repute the longest parish church in England.
In Simon Jenkins'
book Thousand Best Churches the Priory was one of only eighteen churches awarded
5 stars and was described in The Times Newspaper as the "least appreciated
of Grand Churches."
© Simon Jenkins
/ The Times 23rd October 1999
We welcome you to our Priory Church. In this place prayer and worship have been offered for over 1,300 years, and in this building for over 900 years, proclaiming Jesus the Son of God, crucified, risen, ascended and glorified Lord of all. As you make your way through this magnificent parish church and admire the remarkable styles of architecture that surround you, remember the countless men and women for whom this place has been a special haven of peace and refuge, a source of spiritual renewal and inspiration. Throughout the centuries, in the Great Quire the Augustinian monks said their seven offices of the day and celebrated the Mass. Today we continue that offering in our daily round of prayer and eucharistic worship.
Reverend Canon Hugh Williams
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