In what ways might a study of Christchurch Priory be used to illustrate the place of the church in Medieval England (1066 – 1540)?

... Ciaran O'Neill Christchurch Priory In what ways might a study of Christchurch Priory be used to illustrate the place of the church in Medieval England (1066 - 1540)? Christchurch Priory, Church of the Holy Trinity is situated on the south coast of England and just east of Bournemouth. Previously named Thuinam, or Twynham, which means a settlement between two rivers, the Avon and the Stour, the town was renamed to acknowledge both the geographical and social influence of the church. There is evidence to suggest that there was a Saxon church of some nature before the Norman invasion of 1066, highlighted by reference to a Monastic property owned by Edward the Confessor in the domsday book of 1087, administered by a Dean and 24 secular canons, but was likely to have been of little significance. A 'priory' is the self-sufficient church of a religious house under a prior or prioress but now the

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