Christchurch Priory

Work on the present church began in 1094 under Ranulf Flambard, and by 1529 it looked much as it does today.

At 311 feet (91 metres) it is described as one of the longest parish churches in the country, about as large as many cathedrals.

A legend tells of a mysterious carpenter who fitted a beam that had been cut too short and was never seen again; the Miraculous Beam is still on show in the ambulatory.