A Medieval Church

On Wednesday Kevin and Sue took us to one of the most historic buildings in the area.  In the town of Christchurch there is the church of a medieval priory (or monastery) that dates back to the 12th century.  The large church rivals some English cathedrals in size.

By 1150 a basic Norman-style church had been completed, but over the centuries additions and renovations resulted in a mixture of styles.  We were unable to visit the entire church because services were being held in the Lady Chapel at the far end of the structure.  Nevertheless, it was a very impressive building.

One of the oldest parts of the church is this doorway with a Norman arch.  It is called the Prior's Entrance because this was the personal door to the church for the head of the monastery.  It probably dates from 1140.

This marble baptismal font from the early Norman period probably dates from 1200.

The wooden choir stalls are known as "misericords" from the Latin word for compassion.  They are not really seats, but they provided the monks, who had to stand through the services, a little bit of support.

They are superb examples of medieval woodcarving.

  Stained glass windows in the church